Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Milan, 1475-1497

"Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Milan, 1475-1497" by Julia Cartwright is a chronicle of Beatrice d'Este's life, a noblewoman who became a powerful figure in Renaissance Italy through her marriage to the Duke of Milan. Starting with her birth and upbringing in the culturally rich House of Este, the story leads us through her politically motivated betrothal and eventual marriage to Lodovico Sforza, setting the scene for her influential role in Milanese court life amid a time of great cultural blossoming and intense political maneuvering. The narrative paints a picture of her personality, her deep involvement in the political happenings of the time, and the lavish lifestyle of the Milanese court, highlighting her significant place in the vibrant world of Renaissance Italy.