The riveting history of a beautiful queen, a shocking murder, a papal trial--and a reign as triumphant as any in the Middle Ages. As courageous as Eleanor of Aquitaine, as astute and determined as Elizabeth I of England, Joanna, Queen of Naples, was the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own name.

The trial -- The kingdom of Naples -- The court of Robert the Wise -- The kingdom of Hungary -- A royal apprenticeship -- The foolish legacy of Robert the Wise -- Papal politics -- Nest of vipers -- Under siege -- The world at war -- The scales of justice -- The return of the queen -- Foreign and domestic relations -- Queen of Sicily -- The queen and her court -- The quest for an heir -- Queen and pope -- Six funerals and a wedding -- The great schism -- The fall of the queen.