The Women of the Cousins' War
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin, Michael K. Jones |
| Products | Historical non-fiction book |
The Women of the Cousins' War: The Duchess, the Queen and the King's Mother is a 2011 historical non-fiction work authored by novelist Philippa Gregory alongside historians David Baldwin and Michael K. Jones. This volume explores the biographies of three prominent female figures from the Wars of the Roses, all of whom appear in Gregory's Cousins' War series of novels.
Contents
The publication opens with an introduction by Gregory, followed by three detailed biographical chapters: Jacquetta of Luxembourg penned by Gregory; Elizabeth Woodville, queen consort to Edward IV of England, written by Baldwin; and Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII of England, authored by Jones. These narratives correspond to Gregory's novels The Lady of the Rivers (2011), The White Queen (2009), and The Red Queen (2010), respectively. Supplementary materials include illustrations, genealogical charts, maps, and chronological timelines.
Each biography aligns with a significant faction from the period: Jacquetta represents the Lancasters, Elizabeth embodies the Yorks, and Margaret is connected with the Tudors.
Critical reception
According to Publishers Weekly, The Women of the Cousins' War serves as "a compelling introduction to three formidable matriarchs who influenced English history," though it was also noted for being "frequently repetitive and lacking a unified narrative voice or comprehensive background on the origins of the Wars of the Roses."
AudioFile highlighted Gregory's portrayal of Jacquetta of Luxembourg as "captivating," while describing Baldwin's account of Elizabeth Woodville as "informative yet less vivid." The audiobook narration by Bianca Amato received praise for delivering an engaging, educational, and entertaining listening experience.