'Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre' Summary

Agnes Mary Frances Robinson's 'Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre' presents a detailed account of the life and times of a remarkable woman. Born into the French Royal Family, Margaret, sister of Francis I, was a well-educated woman who attracted the attention of King Henry VIII of England. Despite being forced into marriage with Charles IV of Alençon, a man of limited intelligence, she later married Henry II of Navarre. The book chronicles her daring journey over the Pyrenees to Spain in a bid to free her brother, Francis, who was imprisoned by the Holy Roman Emperor. Margaret's progressive views on religion, often differing from the Catholic orthodoxy, made her a controversial figure. Her support for the nascent Reformation in France brought her into conflict with the conservative forces of the Sorbonne. The book also explores her intellectual and artistic talents, highlighting her authorship of the 'Heptameron,' a collection of short stories that continue to be celebrated today. Through this detailed biographical portrait, Robinson reveals Margaret's complex character, her enduring legacy, and her impact on the cultural and political landscape of Renaissance France.