Lara Byrne
I got the idea for Lotharingia from reading Pope Joan.
Donna Woolfolk Cross did such a magnificent job of bringing to life a character that barely exists in the sources and populating her world in a highly credible manner.
It is one of the most inspiring feminist reads, and it made me realise how many other trailblazing medieval women are barely present in history books and yet would have incredible stories to tell.
Matilde, the young heroine of Lotharingia, was one of the most powerful leaders in Christendom, she had her own court and authors celebrating her deeds, and yet history books only mention her as the host of a rapprochement between pope and emperor.
Donna Woolfolk Cross did such a magnificent job of bringing to life a character that barely exists in the sources and populating her world in a highly credible manner.
It is one of the most inspiring feminist reads, and it made me realise how many other trailblazing medieval women are barely present in history books and yet would have incredible stories to tell.
Matilde, the young heroine of Lotharingia, was one of the most powerful leaders in Christendom, she had her own court and authors celebrating her deeds, and yet history books only mention her as the host of a rapprochement between pope and emperor.
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