The Golden Queen of Spain's Golden Age helped change the face of Europe and the world. She led armies into battle to unify her country and opened up the path to the New World, and with it the floodgates of power and glory for her people; yet by a misguided stroke of the pen, she assured her nation's eventual decline.

Isabella grew up under the suspicious gaze of the corrupt King Henry IV of Castile. Intrigue swirled around the young and lovely princess as different factions fought for power. But when Isabella was given the crown of Castile by scheming nobles, she soon proved that she could reign in a world of men. When she lost her heart to the dashing Ferdinand of Aragon, she swore they would rule as equals.

Devoted to each other and to the cause of Spain, the two young monarchs began a crusade to drive the Moslem power from Spain. By 1492 their victory was complete, and in that same year Isabella financed a visionary explorer named Christopher Columbus as he set sail across the Atlantic. But Isabella's great deeds were overshadowed by her intolerance. Influenced by her fanatical Father Confessor, Isabella expelled the entire Jewish population from Spain and brought about the infamous Spanish Inquisition.

A fascinating portrayal of one of history's most complex women in one of history's greatest dramas.

From the dust jacket