Jacqueline Alio

The first biography, and still (6 years after publication) the only one of this remarkable queen. At over 500 pages, far lengthier than most scholarly biographies. Yes, this is scholarly but it’s very readable.

Jacqueline Alio makes the case for Margaret of Navarra being the most important Queen of Sicily before 1266, eclipsing Constance Hauteville. This is a very IMPORTANT work, breaking new ground by informing us about a woman largely ignored by recent books/articles.

Margaret’s life was remarkable and this book is full of details. Every moment of her life is considered in some way.

For general readers, this is a very enjoyable book.… (més)

Another fine book from Jacqueline Alio. This one is a very useful, informative reference that is written clearly enough to be appreciated by everyday readers. I recently had the opportunity of meeting Jackie in Palermo just before this book was published. It is a little more 'academic' than her biography of Margaret but every bit as interesting. Not that that was an issue since I have an MA in medieval history. Surprising that so few of these biographies have been written until now but thank you Jackie for writing them!… (més)