Dr Catherine Hanley holds a PhD in Medieval Studies (Sheffield, 2001), is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and is the author of historical works in several genres. Her scholarly writing includes a monograph based on her PhD thesis and academic journal articles in the UK, US and France, as well as contributions to the Oxford Encyclopaedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology. She has written seven books of popular history: three for Yale University Press, two for The History Press and one each for Osprey and Pen & Sword.
‘Step forward, Joanna Plantagenet! … This is an engaging, exciting and hugely enjoyable book that cleverly brings to light the multiplicity of challenges, restrictions and opportunities that faced royal women in the medieval period, moments without power but also, with careful judgement, occasions to exert power.’ Jonathan Phillips, author of The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin ‘With impeccable research and a solid understanding of the period, Catherine Hanley presents an educational, absorbing and accessible narrative full of historical detail, always keeping the women at the forefront of the story. Superb.’ Annie Whitehead, author of *Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England * ‘Hanley weaves a gripping tale of a little-known English princess who led an extraordinary life. Joanna's tale is one of drama, and Hanley expertly brings her to the forefront, trying to find Joanna's own thoughts and agency in a life directed by the men around her.’ Gemma Hollman, author of *The Queen and the Mistress *