She-Wolves: England's Early Queens

In this three-part BBC-aired series, Cambridge historian Helen Castor presents biographical sketches—based on her own 2010 book, She-Wolves—of seven women who played notable roles in England's political affairs during the medieval and early modern periods. The first episode focuses on Matilda, daughter of William the Conqueror's son King Henry I, whose attempt to succeed her father led to nearly two decades of civil war; and Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of Matilda's son, King Henry II, who served as virtual regent during her own son Richard's absence on crusade. The second segment looks at Isabella, wife of King Edward II, who conspired with a lover to depose her husband and effectively rule the realm herself; and Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI, who took charge of the Lancastrian cause in the Wars of the Roses. The third installment moves to the Tudor period, covering Lady Jane Grey, whose noble family attempted to impose her on the kingdom following the untimely death of King Henry VIII's son, Edward VI; and Henry's daughters Mary and Elizabeth, who became the first women to ascend to the English throne in their own right without substantial opposition. Nicely illustrated with artwork and modern location footage, the series certainly proves what a long, arduous struggle it was for women of ambition and ability to escape from male domination and claim their right to the crown. DVD extras include a bio of Castor, and an accompanying viewer's guide. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)