This is the extraordinary new biography of one of the most powerful women in history. In 1474 , writes Jimmy Burns, Isabella claimed the throne of Castilla in a country divided by political factionalism, riddled with corruption, and facing the challenge of Muslim occupation and the treat of invasion by foreign powers. By the time of her death Isabella had laid the foundations not just of modern Spain, but of one of the world’s great empires. British journalist & author Tremlett, author of the best-selling ‘Ghosts of Spain’ and a widely praised biography of Catherine of Aragon, has written a fascinating, colourful, original, and controversial account of a reign that not only transformed Spain but also influenced the course of Christianity.

What other critics are saying:
“Tremlett writes so well as to make this read almost as entertaining as a traditional Spanish novel but with thorough balanced scholarship.” New York Journal of Books.
“This detailed, exhaustively researched, clearly presented biography of Isabella lauds her strengths but doesn’t shy away from her faults…For those interested in royal biography or in the history of Spain as it emerged from the Middle Ages to become a world power, this book is recommended.” Historical Novel Society.
“Tremlett’s unsentimental portrait reveals an ambitious queen whose accomplishments of prescient religious reform, westward exploration, and empire-building far outshone those of her contemporary European monarchs” Publishers Weekly.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Giles Tremlett in conversation with journalist & author Jimmy Burns, Chairman of the BritishSpanish Society at The Bloomsbury Institute in London on 23 March 2017.

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