Isabella: the Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey is a revisionist history of Isabella of Castille. In this work, an investigation of Isabella's role as queen demonstrates a woman's aptitude in governing and the lengths taken to disguise the power of a female sovereign. Not only did Queen Isabella competently rule Castille, but she left her mark on the political landscape of European royalty and contributed to the future of the New World. Downey beautifully explained Queen Isabella's impact. Beginning with her childhood and working her way through the events of Isabella's lifetime, Downey's extensive investigation of the background and culture made the story come alive.
Downey is eloquent and thoughtful of her portrayal of Isabella, but she makes sweeping claims that make me question her sources. For example, there are frequent references to possible poisoning when someone dies during a time period when people often passed away from unknown illnesses. It might make for a more fascinating read but is not a scholarly approach, especially since there is no science to back up the claim. I also question her statements regarding the Muslim slave trade. The numbers seem rather high, especially given the time period. There had been a plague that swept through Europe, decimating the population of much of the continent. If the Muslims had captured as many slaves as claimed in Isabella, then there would not be anyone left in the cities and countryside of Europe. The Muslim invasion of the Christian world was greatly feared, but I sense some exaggeration in regards to the slave trade.
The most fascinating aspect of Isabella is the portrayal of Isabella's marriage to Ferdinand. They were the ultimate Renaissance power couple, and Downey illustrates convincingly how Isabella was the real power behind the couple. Isabella wisely manipulated her hold on the power of Castille, participated in the wars against the Muslims and squashed civil unrest, supported overseas ventures in the New World, and created alliances with the most powerful nations in Europe through marriages with her children. One of the best evidence to support her claim of Isabella's authority is how Ferdinand reigned after Isabella's death.
Isabella: the Warrior Queen is a captivating story and one I would recommend. Downey gives an absorbing and stimulating account of Queen Isabella's life and is well worth reading.
