Imperial Ladies of the Ottonian Dynasty

Phyllis G. Jestice is Professor of Medieval History and chair of the Department of History at the College of Charleston, South Carolina, USA. She is the author of Wayward Monks and the Religious Revolution of the Eleventh Century (1997). Since then, her scholarly interests have come to focus on the tenth century, aided by Theophanu, a splendid calico cat.

“The book’s clever structure plays a large part … . Jestice succeeds in producing not just a penetrating, persuasive, and in certain respects innovative interpretation of the Ottonian crisis of 984, but also an impressive survey of female rule.” (Knut Görich, German Historical Institute London Bulletin, Vol. 43 (2), November, 2021)“The volume is gorgeously produced, and sumptuously illustrated with many well-rendered colour images of Ottonian artwork. The work as a physical book is a delight to behold. … In a market with several other new and exciting offerings, scholars of the Ottonian world will have little reason to prioritise Imperial Ladies of the Ottonian Dynasty.” (Fraser McNair, Royal Studies Journal, Vol. 6 (1), 2019)

• 1. Introduction: The Road to Regency.- 2. Women in Tenth-Century Germany.- 3. Prestige Marriage.- 4. The Wealth of Queens.- 5. The Lord's Anointed.- 6. Piety as Power.- 7. Connections.- 8. Partners in Rule.- 9. 984.- 10. Regents.- 11. Epilogue: The Power of Royal Women?