Overview

In the first book systematically to give evidence of conjugal co-rule at an Italian Renaissance court, and the first full length scholarly study of Isabella d'Este and Francesco Gonzaga, Sarah Cockram shows their relationship in an entirely new light. The book draws on (and presents) a large amount of unpublished archival material, including almost unprecedented surviving correspondence between and around these Renaissance princely rulers. Using these sources, Cockram shows Isabella and Francesco's strategic teamwork in action, illuminating tactics of collaboration and dissimulation. She also reveals behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity; court procedures; sexual politics and seduction; gift-giving and network-building; rivalries, intrigues and assassinations. Several epistolary themes emerge: insights into the couple's communication practices and double-dealing, their use of intermediaries, and attention to security matters. This book's analysis of Isabella's co-rule with her husband, supported by other members of the Gonzaga dynasty, sees her sometimes in the role of subordinate partner, sometimes guiding the couple's actions. It shows how, despite appearances at times, the couple shared common diplomatic policy as well as human, material, and cultural resources; joint administration; and the exercise of authority and justice. Thus emerges a three-dimensional picture of the mechanisms of power and power sharing in the age of Machiavelli.

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9781032924052

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Reviews

'An interesting book that should open up numerous new paths for research...Recommended.' -Choice 'Sarah Cockram's book is an important new contribution to the effort to understand more accurately the dynamics of Isabella and Francesco's marriage.' Sixteenth Century Journal Volume 'This detailed and well-documented book, the fruit of a doctoral dissertation at the University of Glasgow, traces the relationship between Isabella d'Este and her husband Francesco Gonzaga through Isabella's massive correspondence ... that is preserved in the State Archives of Mantua. ... an enlightening exploration of the diplomacy that led to Mantua's survival in a difficult and complex period and of Isabella d'Este and Francesco Gonzaga's partnership and energy in obtaining this end. It also gives good insight into the nature and uses of Renaissance correspondence.' Seventeenth Century News 'Since, up until now, there has been precious little recognition or understanding of substantial husband-wife collaboration among the princes of early modern Italy and only slightly more in Europe, this is pathbreaking work. Taking as her primary source the three thousand letters exchanged between this dynastic ruling couple, Cockram makes a very strong case for a profoundly revisionary view of the operating functions of this court and, importantly, of the gender relations that made it work so effectively.' Deanna Shemek, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA

'An interesting book that should open up numerous new paths for research...Recommended.' -Choice 'Sarah Cockram's book is an important new contribution to the effort to understand more accurately the dynamics of Isabella and Francesco's marriage.' Sixteenth Century Journal Volume 'This detailed and well-documented book, the fruit of a doctoral dissertation at the University of Glasgow, traces the relationship between Isabella d'Este and her husband Francesco Gonzaga through Isabella's massive correspondence ... that is preserved in the State Archives of Mantua. ... an enlightening exploration of the diplomacy that led to Mantua's survival in a difficult and complex period and of Isabella d'Este and Francesco Gonzaga's partnership and energy in obtaining this end. It also gives good insight into the nature and uses of Renaissance correspondence.' Seventeenth Century News 'Since, up until now, there has been precious little recognition or understanding of substantial husband-wife collaboration among the princes of early modern Italy and only slightly more in Europe, this is pathbreaking work. Taking as her primary source the three thousand letters exchanged between this dynastic ruling couple, Cockram makes a very strong case for a profoundly revisionary view of the operating functions of this court and, importantly, of the gender relations that made it work so effectively.' Deanna Shemek, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA

Author Information

Sarah D.P. Cockram is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, UK.

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