Review by Choice Review
An exemplary biography of Margaret Beaufort, thrice married to powerful political players of the 15th century, mother of Henry VII, founder of two Cambridge colleges, and political manipulator par excellence. The book illustrates the precarious power that could be wielded by a woman. It is a valuable contribution to women's history, while it also illuminates the political, religious, and social aspects of a confusing period of English history. The authors, well established authorities on this subject, smoothly integrate a wide range of archival and secondary documents into this sympathetic but objective and engaging biography. The "introduction" is actually a good historiographical essay. Jones and Underwood occasionally draw psychological conclusions that are beyond substantiation. Footnoting and bibliography are superb. Illustrations, genealogical tables, and appendixes are supportive. Advanced undergraduate; graduate. J.J. Butt; James Madison University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
