Five Euphemias: Women in Medieval Scotland, 1200-1420

This book about five women named Euphemia in medieval Scotland, all related to the earldom of Ross, does an outstanding job of extrapolating from the very limited biographical information on its subjects to explain clearly, lucidly, and entertainingly the social and political context of their lives. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of 13th century Gaelic culture in the first chapter and the treatment of the handicapped "fifth" Euphemia. Those not closely familiar with Scottish history may become lost in the wilderness of relationships and names, but the view of the flowers, forest and the trees along the road is well worth the trip.

The book handles the lives of 5 women of the family of the Earls of Ross - all with the name of Euphemia. The 3rd Euphemia married King Robert II and the 4th married his notorious son, the Wolf of Badenoch. The portrait of the Wolf of Badenoch is quite balanced and not as black as he is usually described. His wife Euphemia had the nerve to sue him and finally ask for a divorce. Since little is known about these women and their lives were mainly ruled by men, the book also describes the period in history. The book is good reading and as a Scotland and history lover I enjoyed the book very much.