Twice Queen of France

Book excerpt: A biography for teens of a strong, independent woman of the 15th century. Anne of Brittany was only 12 when, in 1488, she became its Duchess, but already she was among the best-educated women of her era and she was determined to preserve the duchy’s independence. At 15 she averted takeover by France when she married its king, Charles VIII, and after he died she married his successor, Louis XII, becoming the only person ever twice crowned Queen of France. Foreword by Sylvia Louise Engdahl, the author’s daughter. Illustrated with 16th-century portraits. “The life of Anne of Brittany is traced in detail against a vivid background of court life during the Renaissance. . . . Useful to schools for its portrayal of the times, this has enough romance to appeal to girls.”—ALA Booklist