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Margaret of Austria: Governor of the Netherlands and Early 16th-Century Europe's Greatest Diplomat Paperback – March 6, 2023

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 580 ratings

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FIRST PLACE WINNER - 2023 CHAUCER Book Awards - Early Historical Fiction

WINNER - 2023 READERS' FAVORITE Awards - Fiction-Historical-Personage

Royalty Power Politics Love Struggle

Bestselling biographer and historian
Sarah Gristwood, author of Game of Queens and The Tudors in Love, calls this tale of early 16th-century Europe's most brilliant power broker “Compelling and wholly convincing—at once a vividly readable novel and a long-overdue presentation of Europe's unsung heroine to the broad audience she deserves.”

Margaret of Austria was the most significant political negotiator of early 16th-century Europe. About as Austrian as French fries are French, she was born in Brussels in 1480, raised in France, married and widowed in Spain, then married and widowed again in Savoy by age twenty-four.

In 1506 Margaret’s life turned upside down when her brother
Philip of Burgundy unexpectedly died in Spain. With their mother Juana of Castile insane, four children, heirs to the Habsburg empire, were left behind in the Burgundian-Habsburg Netherlands.

Margaret stepped in and took the reins.

Appointed by her father,
Maximilian I, Margaret became governor of the Netherlands, then widened her role to broker the 1508 Treaty of Cambrai where Europe’s princes united against Venice.

Ferdinand of Spain, Henry Tudor then Henry VIII of England, Louis XII of France, and Louise of Savoy for Francis I all came to Margaret’s negotiation table. Under her deft diplomacy princes saw reason and wars were averted.

Enjoying political power, Margaret avoided remarriage. Then Henry VIII's right-hand man
Charles Brandon turned her world upside down.

Margaret's court attracted Europe's brightest, including the young
Anne Boleyn. Yet halfway through her rule Margaret was ousted by enemies. She won back her position with a comeback strategy as astute today as it was in 1517.

Journey to the Renaissance with Margaret of Austria, who shot the fortunes of the House of Habsburg to the stars while setting a winning precedent for female rule in the Netherlands.

“A must-read for fans of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙮𝙣 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡 and 𝘼𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩.”—T. Pine
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Compelling and wholly convincing - at once a vividly readable novel and a long-overdue presentation of Europe's unsung heroine to the broad audience she deserves. This telling of Margaret's story is captivating on a personal level, and classily comprehensive on sixteenth-century diplomacy."

-Sarah Gristwood, author of The Tudors in LoveandGame of Queens

"Rich in history and filled with enticing drama, a diplomatic tale that celebrates the life of a brilliant European power broker of the early 16th century. Margaret emerges as a charming, savvy, and wily hero, capable of manipulating Europe's political chessboard."-Kirkus Reviews


"Beautifully written, with a strong narrative and compelling characters, Margaret of Austria offers readers insight into the life of one of history's most intriguing monarchs."-Publishers Weekly 2023 Booklife Prize


"Author Gaston has brought Margaret to life as a daughter, wife, niece, aunt, friend, politician, ambassador, and diplomat. The reader of Margaret of Austria will be both enlightened and entertained."-Historical Novel Society



"An engaging account of the life and achievements of one of the foremost prominent figures of her time, Margaret of Austria is a well-researched and meticulously crafted narrative, blending historical facts and fiction in a way that renders the story both informative and entertaining. Gaston's ability to balance intricate details of diplomatic events and relationships with the broader historical context makes the book a valuable resource for scholars of early modern Europe. With an overview of Burgundy and a cast of characters that enable readers to follow the complex relationships and political intrigues that shape Margaret's life, Gaston's writing style, infused with lively dialogue and a spirited narrative, keeps the reader engaged. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of a powerful woman in a period when female leadership was often overlooked and will be embraced by readers interested in the history of women in power."-Readers' Favorite


"Gaston's is a deftly drawn rendering of this historically significant woman who embraced leadership at a time when women were discouraged from leading."-Archduke Géza von Habsburg of Austria, author of Princely Treasures


"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of early modern Europe, women's history, or political biography."-Lee Leho


"This is an excellent book about a fascinating woman during a period in which women played an important, and to-date largely unrecognized, role."-Keira Morgan, author of The Importance of Pawns


"With sparkling dialogue and rigorous historical accuracy, Gaston brings Margaret to life, taking us along on her travels, sitting beside her at the negotiation table, and unearthing how she evolved into one of the most important rulers of the Renaissance."-Susan Abernethy, European Women in History blog







Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Renaissance Editions (March 6, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 427 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1732589992
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732589995
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1.07 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 580 ratings

About the author

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Rozsa Gaston
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ROZSA GASTON is a historical fiction author who writes books on women who reach for what they want out of life.

She is the author of Margaret of Austria, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for Pre-1750s Historical Fiction, the four-book Anne of Brittany Series: Anne and Charles; Anne and Louis, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲; Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers; and Anne and Louis Forever Bound, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for Pre-1750s Historical Fiction.

Other works include Sense of Touch, Marguerite and Gaston, The Least Foolish Woman in France, Paris Adieu, Black is Not a Color, Budapest Romance, Running from Love, and Dog Sitters.

Gaston studied European history at Yale and received her Master's degree in international affairs from Columbia. She worked at Institutional Investor magazine, then as a columnist for The Westchester Guardian.

She is currently working on a book on Anne Boleyn at Margaret of Austria's court. She lives in Bronxville, New York with her family.

Her motto? History matters.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
580 global ratings
Gossip and power brokering… a delicious read!
5 Stars
Gossip and power brokering… a delicious read!
Margaret of Austria is a captivating biography that delves into the life of one of early 16th-century Europe's most influential figures. The book paints a vivid portrait of Margaret's journey from her upbringing in the Burgundian court to her pivotal role as Governor of the Netherlands. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the author brings to life Margaret's resilience, political prowess, and personal struggles. From navigating diplomatic negotiations to grappling with the complexities of power and love, Margaret's story is a captivating blend of history and human drama that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
I like learning about major historical events and figures, and it was fun to dive into what I would have called a "side figure." It was very empowering to read some amazing things Margaret accomplished and it was written with a good personal touch that makes her feel "alive."
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Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
I haven’t heard much or did so know much about this queen but I do love to learn about history. This book was intriguing and filled with some much information! Great for anyone who loves to learn about history.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
This book was so interesting I just couldn't put it down! I've read other books on Margaret of Austria, but this book is absolutely the best one I've read by far! The characters are all memorable, especially Margaret, and I loved how they come to life in this story. Very well written and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in competent and charismatic women of the Renaissance era.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
I very much enjoyed this historic and educational read on Margaret of Austria. European history has always been a fascinating and captivating interest of mine. This book dives deep into the factual and historic chapters of European history. And the events leading up to each chapter. I appreciate how the author went into great detail and showed pictures of each event leading up to the next. The diplomatic history of this book is very interesting. The author did a fantastic job putting together this book, and putting every single detail together in a fantastic and competent way to create this historic masterpiece of a book. Captured my attention all the way through. From front to back. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys European history and a great informative educational read. Very well done and written book.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
This is about a woman I knew little about.
Historical fiction at its best.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you, Rossa Gaston
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
This biography of Margaret of Austria paints a vivid portrait of a powerful diplomat and astute ruler. With engaging prose and well-researched insights, it reveals the complexities of Renaissance politics through Margaret's lens.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
Ms Gaston does more than one critically interesting thing with this fascinating historical novel. She brings to the forefront one of the magnificent female figures of Renaissance Europe, one who has too long been overlooked in the histories written by men. And she triumphantly breathes life into Margaret of Austria, and the other historical characters, in a way that makes you feel certain that the writer's depiction is the actual history. She imbues Margaret with what must have been the passion, wit, and courage that made this woman the preeminent diplomat of her era, while overcoming all the obstacles placed in front of a woman in the sixteenth century. The reader feels a part a brilliant engagement with the exercise and philosophy of power in Renaissance Europe, and comes away from the novel feeling happy to have learned a history that should be more generally known, and grateful to Ms. Gaston for making this history come to life. Buy this book. Read it. Buy several as gifts for your nieces and nephews.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
Prior to reading this book, I knew nothing about the remarkable Marguerite of Austria, who devoted her life to promoting the Hapsburg dynasty which was to last another 375 years after her death. She was the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor elect Maximillian and the aunt of Holy Roman Emperor and King Charles of Spain.
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Top reviews from other countries

K.J. Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Biographical novel about a fascinating woman
Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2023
Rozsa Gaston brings Archduchess Margaret of Austria, Regent of the Netherlands, to life in this fascinating biographical novel about one of the most powerful women of early 16th Century Europe.

The novel weaves between biography and fiction, filled with fascinating historical fact and detail coupled with lively dialogue and spirited narrative. The intricate minutiae of relationships—e.g., Margaret married successively the Dauphin of France, the Heir Apparent of Spain, and Duke of Savoy; and she was sister to Queen Catherine of Aragon in England, and sister-in-law to Duchess Louise de Savoy, to name a but a few—and diplomatic events can make the story heavy going for those who are not familiar with the characters and issues of the period. Yet Gaston writes with a light touch, bringing Margaret’s rich personal life into clear focus and she emerges as a charming and wily heroine. Gaston also begins with a brief explanation of Burgundy at the time, and a Cast of Characters to provide a context.

On to the story itself. After three unfortunate marriages in France, Spain and Savoy, well-chronicled by Gaston, Margaret comes into her own after 1504, when she is once again widowed. Refusing to marry again despite intense pressure from her father, Emperor Maximilian I, she returns to the Netherlands.

In 1506, Margaret’s life takes a dramatic change in direction when her brother Philip, Duke of Burgundy and King of Spain, dies unexpectedly in Spain at the age of 28. With their mother Queen Juana of Castile insane in Spain, the elder four children, including the underage Charles, heir to the duchy of Burgundy, were left orphaned in the Netherlands. Margaret stepped in to care for them. Appointed by her father, Margaret became governor of the Netherlands in 1507. Shen widened her role to broker the 1508 Treaty of Cambrai when Europe’s princes united against Venice.

When Charles came of age as Duke of Burgundy and King of Spain, her enemies ousted Margaret. She won back her position by convincing her nephew of her probity and loyalty and he named her Regent in the Netherlands, where she continued to defend the interests of that area until her death. During this event-filled time in Europe’s Renaissance, Gaston brings the early 16th century family wranglings, power struggles and diplomatic negotiations Margaret orchestrated to life.

This is an excellent book about a fascinating woman during a period in which women played an important, and to-date largely unrecognized, role. I recommend it highly.
One person found this helpful
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Paolo Sbalchiero
5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Journey Through Renaissance Intrigue
Reviewed in Italy on April 22, 2024
Margaret of Austria springs to life in this expertly woven tale of power, politics, and personal ambition. Captivating and richly detailed, the book offers a masterclass in 16th-century diplomacy, presenting Margaret not just as a political figure but as a woman ahead of her time. Engaging, educational, and absolutely unputdownable!
moon granny
5.0 out of 5 stars Bit Wordy!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2024
I will plough through it!!!
Francesco
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in Italy on April 17, 2024
This biographical account of Margaret of Austria provides a detailed depiction of her role as a formidable diplomat and savvy leader. The author uses captivating writing and thoroughly researched details to explore the intricate nature of Renaissance political dynamics as experienced by Margaret
jessica birks
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2023
This is wonderfully written and researched. My partner and I read this book in one afternoon! Will definately be on the lookout for more works from this author.