THE LADY ROYAL

by Molly Costain Haycrafb ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1964

Edward II of England was a Plantagenet king, thus qualifying himself and his royal family as subjects for a ""Plantagenet romance,"" the author's description of her latest historical novel. Other qualifications soon appear: permanent battle with France and the simultaneous attempt for a permanent peace (Edward was a good King); young Princess Royal Isabel, who saw the seemy side of Chivalry when the selected Flemish husband jilts her for (of all people) Margaret of Brabant, and her second betrothed answers her unrequited love by entering a monastery. ""Deciding"" to remain single Isabel is won in the end by a tempestuous French Lord, providing enough ""romantic"" material for the fictional tapestry, slightly worn in places. And of course, there is young page Geoffrey who always has poems in his head and a scene with a fallen bit of underolothing that provokes Edward's magnificent statement: ""I think I shall name it The Order of the Garter."" And tournaments, battles the black plague--those special fourteenth century attractions. A homey tale of Kings and Princes, which takes most of the history out and replaces it with facile prose of latterday properties... With Chivalry dead, the distaff audience still likes to read about it.

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: uippincott

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION