Queens, Concubines and Dowagers: The King's Wife in the Early Middle Ages (Women, Power, and Politics)

Rating:
Summary: Facinating yet confusing
Review: Stafford presents an facinating view of women in the early middle ages, presenting their power as well as limitations. However, the book is rather confusing when it comes to keeping track of who is who. The genealogical tables at the back of the book are less than helpful. Stafford asserts that a good part of the power of these women was based on family relations and connections, but this was difficult to follow. Still, the work does present some very interesting ideas and is worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Facinating yet confusing
Review: This book has been foundational in determining how we understand early medieval women's history and the role of marriage and marital politics in the period. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: A classic in medieval women's history
Review: This book has been foundational in determining how we understand early medieval women's history and the role of marriage and marital politics in the period. I recommend it highly.