Yes, a queen lived in a palace with dazzling clothing and jewels and was admired and envied, but in many cases they lived miserable, lonely lives, coupled with strangers in arranged marriages of political worth to their fathers. Love was never a factor. Many of these queens turned to love affairs with handsome generals or court dignitaries, or to affairs of intrigue to gain political advantage.

They risked everything, and anything could happen.  Some were victorious, some were disgraced, and others were imprisoned for life or put to death.  The fate of these ladies was usually decided by the political implications of the affair. When you make a choice, there is frequently a consequence. Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard both lost their heads because of adultery. Henry VIII was not sympathetic. (Of course, he was usually looking at a new replacement queen lurking in the shadows.)

History is full of great queens like Catherine the Great who ruled Russia after having her husband murdered. Her many young lovers were legendary. Empress Alexandra of Russia set off the Russian revolution because of her emotional dependence on the mad monk Rasputin. Even in modern times, the beloved Princess Diana had countless affairs, including with her palace bodyguard.

This book is a great complement to our understanding of European history and the lives and loves of royalty. It is a scholarly historical document that reads like a modern romance novel, illustrated with some wonderful old masterpieces from the art world.  It has sent me on several excursions to find out more information about several of the jaded ladies. 

What fun!  If you are intrigued by history, you must read this exciting book.