'Not just a biography of Margaret, but a vivid portrait of the turbulent years of the Wars of the Roses. Though Margaret never personally stepped onto the battlefield, she was a constant presence in English politics. Lauren Johnson brings her triumphs and tragedies brilliantly to life'

Catherine Fletcher

'Lauren Johnson is among a growing group of young female historians determined to shine a light on the importance and political significance of women in the shaping of English history. In this highly readable biography, she reveals Margaret as she truly was – a shrewd political operator, calculated risk taker and successful dynasty builder. Margaret, as these pages assert, was the Mother of the Tudor dynasty, not because she birthed Henry VII, but because she put him on the throne, and with diligent counsel and unfailing support, maintained his place upon it'

Annie Garthwaite, author of CECILY

A powerful new biography of a formidable medieval woman, brimming with fascinating details that bring colour and life to Lady Margaret's world

Christina Faraday

Lauren Johnson brings the story of one of the most powerful women in British history to life, taking readers on an epic journey through an existence dominated by the random turns of Fortune's Wheel. She situates Margaret not only within her own life and times, but also within the context of the people with whom she interacted. Highly detailed, readers will be captivated by this fresh look at a woman who truly deserves to be remembered as the founder of the Tudor dynasty

Beth Norton