Contents

Preface

Chapter Opening

CHAPTER 1: Early Female Sovereigns in Global Perspective

CHAPTER 2: Europe's Female Sovereigns, 1300–1800: An Overview

CHAPTER 3: Difficult Beginnings: Heiresses with Crowned Husbands, 1300–1550

CHAPTER 4: Female Regents Promote Female Rule, 1500–1630

CHAPTER 5: Husbands Finessed: The Era of Elizabeth I, 1550–1700

CHAPTER 6: Husbands Subordinated: The Era of Maria Theresa, 1700–1800

CHAPTER 7 Ruling Without Inheriting: Russian Empresses

CHAPTER 8: Female Rule After 1800: Constitutions and Popular Culture

Notes

Bibliographical Essay

Index