SHORT LISTED for Elizabeth Longford Biography Prize 2023
“With grace and sensitivity, de Lisle cuts through the misogyny to reveal a different Henrietta Maria . . . De Lisle understands that history is a story of people; she possesses a visceral understanding of the emotions that swirled inside Henrietta Maria . . . she was not England's greatest queen, but she was probably the most remarkable”
UK
ORDER NOW - UK
Waterstones UK
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Amazon UK
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“This is popular history of the finest kind, vivid, immediate, well researched and telling a compelling story. It is also serves the first duty of biography, by making its subject more wholly understandable than before.”
“Leanda de Lisle has brilliantly overturned nearly four centuries of misogynistic, religiously bigoted and politically motivated myths about Henrietta Maria, who now emerges as a fascinating, fearless woman, wife and mother. This is revisionist history at its absolute best”
“Brilliantly written, mesmerising, superb scholarship and totally immersive - you feel as if you are there, the vivid scene drawing underpinned by meticulous research. Henrietta Maria is explored with de Lisle’s customary forensic focus, razor sharp intelligence and searing sympathy - and the result is a total game changer. ”
US
ORDER NOW - US
Barnes & Noble US
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Amazon US
“Leanda de Lisle's beautifully written and endlessly fascinating new biography of Henrietta Maria brings one of the 17th century's most misunderstood women to glorious life. For far too long, Henrietta Maria has been patronised and belittled by historians as little more than an adjunct to her husband. This salutary and important book restores her to her rightful place as one of the most fascinating and important figures of her time”
“Like the proverbial phoenix, Henrietta Maria is a glorious resurrection of one of the most misrepresented queens of England. A reviled figure in her day, and little better than a caricature ever after, Henrietta Maria can be compared to Marie Antoinette - except for the fact that she managed to survive her husband's execution and live to see one of her sons crowned King Charles II. She deserves a seat in the pantheon of extraordinary women. And finally, thanks to Leanda de Lisle's meticulous research, she has a biography worthy of her fascinating life.”