The lady queen

by Nancy Bazelon Goldstone

From inside book jacket: Amid intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, Joanna I ... became the only female monarch of her day to rule in her own name, and one of the most courageous women in history. Married ... at the age of seven to her 6 year old Hungarian cousin, Joanna saw her ... world shattered 12 years later by the brutal assassination of her husband. Accused of the murder by her powerful in-laws, Joanna was forced to flee her kingdom and stand trial for her life before the papal court at Avignon ... The account of how, despite her youth and sex, she triumphed over her enemies, raised an army, and took back her realm makes for one of the most compelling sagas of any age. Joanna went on to rule for a further 30 years, weathering war, plague, and treason to become one of the powerful and influential leaders in Italy ... Her reign rivaled Elizabeth I in power and scope -- until the violence and treachery of the medieval world ultimately betrayed her.