Book Review: The Formidable Women Who Shaped Medieval Europe: Power and Patronage at the Burgundian Court
The Formidable Women Who Shaped Medieval Europe is a lively and fascinating look at the many women who helped build and hold together the powerful Burgundian world. Susan Abernethy takes stories that are often buried in footnotes and brings them to life, showing just how much these queens, duchesses and noblewomen mattered. From the very start, she makes it clear that the Burgundian court wasn’t just run by ambitious dukes – it relied heavily on the women around them.
What makes the book so enjoyable is how readable it is. Abernethy guides you through the tangled politics of medieval Europe without ever making it feel heavy. Instead, each chapter feels like stepping into someone’s world. You get family drama, court intrigue, clever political manoeuvres, and moments of real courage.
Some of the standout women shine brightly. Margaret of Male, for example, wasn’t just an heiress with a long title – she acted as a regent, diplomat and hands-on manager of her lands, often stepping in for her husband Philip the Bold (pp. 37–55). Catherine of Burgundy is another memorable figure: stubborn, sharp and surprisingly modern in her determination to control her own territories in Alsace (pp. 49–61). These women didn’t simply sit quietly on the sidelines—they negotiated peace, raised armies, oversaw estates and influenced policy.
There are also wonderful glimpses into life at the Burgundian court: the grand weddings, the dazzling clothes, the lavish books they collected, and the sheer spectacle of Burgundian pageantry. It’s a reminder that this was one of the most glamorous courts in Europe—and that its women were often the ones shaping its culture and reputation.
Abernethy also shows how these women connected Europe in unexpected ways, linking Burgundy to England, France, Scotland, Portugal and beyond. Through marriage alliances, regencies and diplomacy, they helped shape the politics of their time in ways that are still felt today.
Overall, this is an engaging and very human history book. Whether you’re into medieval politics or you just enjoy stories about strong women who made their mark, this is a warm, absorbing read that makes these long-overlooked figures feel vivid and important once again.
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