‘Joanna I’ author takes stage at library

Monday, 16 November 2009 14:22

Nancy Goldstone, author of “The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily,” will discuss her new book at the New Canaan Library at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, in the Adrian Lamb Room. The talk is part of the “Authors on Stage” series, which is co-sponsored by Elm Street Books of New Canaan. A decendant of the French Royal Family, Joanna I was married at the age of seven to Hungarian Prince Andrew. For 30 years she ruled in her own name. She built hospitals and churches, all while promoting charity and medical learning, especially for women. Her reign at the time was greater and had more strategic and cultural significance than that of England, a press release said.

However, all of this was eclipsed by the fact that at the age of 22, Joanna was accused of murdering her husband and his cousin. She pleaded her case in Latin to the Pope and his court and won. Although she had proven her innocence, Joanna’s legacy was marred for centuries.

Goldstone spent three years sifting through original letters, edicts, household accounts and chroniclers’ reports, much of which is presented for the first time in English.

Goldstone has written both fiction and non-fiction. Her books include “Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe,” “Trading Up: Surviving Success as a Woman Trader on Wall Street,” “Bad Business: A Novel,” “Mommy and the Murder,” “Mommy and the Money: A Novel” and with her husband, Lawrence Goldstone, “Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World,” “Slightly Chipped: Footnotes in Booklore,” “Warmly Inscribed: The New England Forger and Other Book Tales” and “Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids and the Bond of Reading.”

All Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by calling 594-5040, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by visiting newcanaanlibrary.org.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.