In 1468, Isabella’s brother, Alfonso, died (either by poisoning or the plague) while in conflict with their older half brother, Enrique (King Henry IV). It made her able to survive the difficulties of her childhood and adolescence, but it also made her rigid and unforgiving.” KD In addition to Isabella’s good qualities, a certain hardness of character was developing in her. 'She was not a woman to suffer a slight lightly or forgive easily. Multilingual (French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Portuguese), musically gifted (played several instruments and sang), magnificent dancer. Humble beginnings led to an unlikely rise to power in a time when women weren’t likely to wield power.Ĭharacteristics: devout, articulate, pointed, idealistic, tough, disciplined, farsighted. Grew up third in line for throne, considered valuable mainly for her potential as a pawn in a political marriage when the moment called for it. Feared the unknown in the spiritual realm, made her susceptible to the influence of church officials. Isabella turned to the Catholic Church which gave her life some sense of stability amidst the chaos. Isabella was born into a world where the Ottomans posed a universal military threat and were attempting to make their bid as the world’s super power. Viewed as an omen of bad things to potentially come. Set tone for constant fear and turmoil between Muslim and Christian worlds. In 1453, Constantinople fell to Muslim Turks. Spain was a kingdom splintered by political conflict, countryside was riddled with crime, rulers were distracted by constant civil wars.

See my notes below or Amazon for details and reviews. If nothing else, the way Isabella navigated a minefield of powerful men proves deeply inspiring. Downey sheds a human light on Isabella, despite her polarizing reputation.

And she unified a war-torn country, riddled with crime and political conflict, but in doing so established the Spanish Inquisition.

She led the reconquest of Granada–the crown jewel of Muslim forces in southern Spain–through ten grueling years. She financed Christopher Columbus’s journey to the New World and was one of the first to grasp its significance. Isabella was a complex figure with a complicated legacy to match. Recommendation: 8/10.Ī portrait of Isabella of Castile (1451-1504), Queen of Spain, whose unlikely rise to the throne helped establish her as one of the most powerful, poised female leaders in history. Isabella: The Warrior Queen – by Kirstin Downeyĭate read: 8/17/19.

Isabella by Kirstin Downey