Catherine Hanley’s new book, LIONESSHEART: The Life and Times of Joanna Plantagenet, was published by The History Press on 27 March 2025.
“This is an engaging, exciting and hugely enjoyable book that cleverly brings to light the multiplicity of challenges, restrictions and opportunities that faced royal women in the medieval period, moments without power but also, with careful judgement, occasions to exert power.” Jonathan Phillips, author of THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF THE SULTAN SALADIN
“An educational, absorbing and accessible narrative full of historical detail, always keeping the women at the forefront of the story. Superb.” Annie Whitehead, author of WOMEN OF POWER IN ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND
“Hanley weaves a gripping tale of a little-known English princess who led an extraordinary life. Joanna’s tale is one of drama, and Hanley expertly brings her to the forefront, trying to find Joanna’s own thoughts and agency in a life directed by the men around her.” Gemma Hollman, author of THE QUEEN AND THE MISTRESS
Congratulations to Catherine Hanley on 1217: The Battles that Saved Britain, published by Osprey, being shortlisted for the Military History Matters 2025 Book of the Year Award.