Renee of France (Bitesize Biographies)

“Simonetta Carr has succeeded in making the reader of her fine book a contemporary, yes, even a close friend of Renee of France. Based on the sources, written with great quality and a pleasure to read, is the fascinating story of this royal woman. I look forward to more of such books.”

“Among Italian feudal families in the sixteenth century, Renee of France, wife of the Duke of Ferrara, was alone in her adherence to the Reformation. She was not only prevented from favouring it openly, but was thwarted by her husband - a vassal of the pope - who restricted her liberties. Her story intertwines with the various clandestine groups of supporters of the Reformation, bringing to light, particularly in the form of her hospitality (given also to John Calvin!), the problems of pretence and suppression - can one be inwardly Protestant and outwardly Roman Catholic? - and of the relationship between the Reformation and the heretical movements. This book provides a sketch on the complex movement of Reformation in Italy as seen and lived by a French royal princess, wife of a feudal prince of the pope.”