Isabel of Burgundy

It is surprising that Isabel of Burgundy has never had a biography before this book. Admittedly, the biography is a bit too full of speculation of how Isabel might have felt about her husbands philandering, her son's impetuosity that ended up destroying Burgundy's chances for independence, or the rebellious nature of her Flemish burghers. The lack of personal papers for this important Renaissance lady means that the book largely proceeds based on reasonable speculations and lots of carriage rides filled with jostling along the poorly paved roads of her duchy. The book is a quick read, and full of interesting comments, though the title is a bit of a misnomer (Joan of Arc doesn't play a huge role in the book, except as the stalking horse for French military might and the threat of the French to Burgundy, but might help the book sell a few more copies). Mostly, the book is about the fascinating way in which a strong and capable woman can help to improve the situation of her realm without unduly offending her powerful husband, a lesson which many modern women would do well to imitate.

Princess Isabel of Portugal was the only daughter of King John. She was bought up as the pampered daughter of the kingdom, but also to assume the financial responsibilities of the prudent royal. At what was considered a late age, 33, she married Phillip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. Duke Philip was the most powerful non-crowned person in Europe at the time and was an extremely suitable match for Isabel rank-wise. For the next 40 years Isabel played a decisive role in the Dukedom of Burgundy, mostly in diplomatic and financial roles. Isabel was related to the English house of Lancaster and spent most of those 40 years trying ally Burgundy to England and offset the influence of the French kings in the affairs of Burgundy in order to safeguard he son Charles's inheritance. Something she only had mixed success in as her husband had an almost blind faith that the French Kings would "do right" by Burgundy.This is the first biography of Isabel and one of the very few available in English of any of Burgundy's Duchesses. The author has produced a lively portrait of a very active woman and gives a clear outline of the political and financial influences that prompted many of Isabel's decisions. This book covers the age of Joan of Arc and the early to late middle years of the Wars of the Roses in England. Although these large political events took place outside Burgundy they did have a direct influence on Isabel's life.If you have any curiosity about Medieval and early Renaissance Burgundy then this book is a must.

Interesting subject and time. I found the biography a bit dry. Would have welcomed further comments on the court of her birth, Portugal, and the development of her court by marriage. Ms Taylor gives us good information on the economics of the French, English and Burgugundian relations and the negociations between these courts,but the insights into the personalities are too shetchy. Never the less a book that makes you want to know more about persons who most historians seem to have forgoten.