Blood, Fire, and Gold, Estelle Paranque

A fascinating joint biography of Elizabeth I and Catherine de'' Medici, which explores how their complex 30-year relationship redefined the course of history. Sixteenth-century Europe was a hostile world dominated by court politics and patriarchal structures, and yet against all odds, two women rose to power: Elizabeth I and Catherine de'' Medici. One a Virgin Queen who ruled her kingdom alone, and the other a clandestine leader who shaped the dynasties of Europe through her children.

Much has been written about these two iconic women but nothing has been said of their complicated relationship--thirty years of friendship, competition and conflict that would change the face of Europe. This is a story of two remarkable visionaries. It is also a tale of ceaseless calculation, of love and rivalry, of war and wisdom--and of female power in a male world.

Shining new light on their legendary kingdoms Blood, Fire and Gold provides a new way of looking at two of history''s most powerful women, and how they shaped each other as profoundly as they shaped the course of history. This is a lively and meticulously researched book that moves cleverly from the intimate details of female lives to the big power struggles of Europe during the period.