Blood, Fire & Gold

The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de Medici

By: Estelle Paranque

Narrated by: Anna Wilson-Jones

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

A brilliant and beautifully written deep dive into the complicated relationship between Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici, two of the most powerful women in Renaissance Europe who shaped each other as profoundly as they shaped the course of history

Sixteenth-century Europe was a hostile world dominated by court politics and patriarchal structures, and yet against all odds, two women rose to power: Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici. One a young Virgin Queen who ruled her kingdom alone, and the other a more experienced and clandestine leader who used her children to shape the dynasties of Europe, much has been written about these shrewd and strategic sovereigns. But though their individual legacies have been heavily scrutinized, nothing has been said of their complicated relationship—thirty years of camaraderie, competition, and conflict that forever changed the face of Europe.

In Blood, Fire, and Gold, historian Estelle Paranque offers a new way of looking at two of history’s most powerful women: through the eyes of the other. Drawing on their private correspondence and brand-new research, Paranque shows how Elizabeth and Catherine navigated through uncharted waters that both united and divided their kingdoms, maneuvering between opposing political, religious, and social objectives—all while maintaining unprecedented power over their respective domains. Though different in myriad ways, their fates and lives remained intertwined of the course of three decades, even as the European geo-politics repeatedly set them against one another. Whether engaged in bloody battles or peaceful accords, Elizabeth and Catherine admired the force and resilience of the other, while never forgetting that they were, first and foremost, each other’s true rival.

This is a story of two remarkable visionaries: a story of blood, fire, and gold. It is also a tale of ceaseless calculation, of love and rivalry, of war and wisdom, and—above all else—of the courage and sacrifice it takes to secure and sustain power as a woman in a male-dominated world.

A Times' "Book of the Week"

©2022 Estelle Paranque (P)2022 Hachette Books

Wonderful!

I was familiar with the history of both Queens, but I learned a lot of new things here! And the narration is delightful!

Queens

A good book; learned some new things about the queens that I didn’t know but happy to learn.

Amazing listen

A trip back in time. A great lesson two of history is most fascinating people and ladies.

Absolutely fantastic!

A must for fans of Tudor history. The story of these fascinating women brought to life.

Very informative book.

I have read many books on this era, and about some of the royals, etc. This author was very detailed, and I learned things I had never heard of before. Highly recommend this book to history lovers!

An interesting comparison

You do need to already know a bit of background to put this all into context. Having that myself I found this is a really interesting way of comparing and juxtaposing these two queens in the time of their tandem reigns. Excellent way of taking a few minor fictional liberties on a nonfiction book.

A new part of the QE 1 I didn’t know

The book is a great exploration of the relationship of Elizabeth and Catherine Demacini (so). The interaction, rivalry and political dance the two had was completely new to me. I also didn’t know how close Elizabeth came to marrying one of Catherine’s sons.

Well written and beautifully read.

What a wonderful book!

This book was very intriguing, captivating, and easy to follow. I can’t wait to read more by Dr. Paranque in the future!

The crown goes to Ms Paranque

An incredible an engaging book breathing life into women’s roles in shaping history and politics. Brava!

Completely enjoyed this book!

I completely enjoyed this book! This tale about two queens who was the Queen mother of France and anointed Queen of England, completely amazed me. I saw how no matter when in time, what women will do to survive. Both made choices that compelled me to think, what would I have chosen had I been in their shoes. I learned many things I was not aware of. A must read for any history enthusiast!