The Women of the Cousins' War

The book consists of an introduction by Gregory and three biographical essays: the first is about Jacquetta of Luxembourg, written by Gregory; the second is about Jacquetta's daughter Elizabeth Woodville, queen consort of Edward IV of England, written by Baldwin; and the third is about Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII of England, written by Jones.[1][2][3][4] These coincide with three of Gregory's Cousins' War novels, The Lady of the Rivers (2011), The White Queen (2009) and The Red Queen (2010), respectively.[1] The book also contains illustrations, family trees, maps and timelines.[2][3] Each woman is affiliated to a belligerent house: Jacquetta to the Lancasters, Elizabeth to the Yorks and Margaret to the Tudors.

Publishers Weekly called The Women of the Cousins' War "an engrossing introduction to three courageous matriarchs who shaped English history," but also noted that it is "often repetitious and lacks a consistent voice and cohesive overview on the origins of the Wars of the Roses."[2]

AudioFile magazine, reviewing the audiobook recording of the book, called Gregory's essay on Jacquetta of Luxembourg "fascinating" and Baldwin's piece on Elizabeth Woodville "equally informative, but less colorful." The review also praised the narrator, noting that "Bianca Amato’s rich tones turn this book’s three essays into the best kind of nonfiction listening: engaging, informative, and entertaining."[5]

• Official Philippa Gregory website