Vulgar History: Regency Era

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, aka Countess d'Aulnoy, aka Madame d'Aulnoy, was a French author who invented the term "fairy tales". She also was one of many real-life figures who inspired Celia Bell to write her historical fiction novel, THE DISENCHANTMENT. Celia joins us to talk about her book, which is a fictional story about a passionate love affair between two noblewomen who wish to free themselves from their repressive society, whatever the cost. There's also murder in it, as well as Vulgar History fav La Voisin and, The Affair of the Poisons! Learn more about Celia and her book here Follow Celia on Twitter @celiadbell -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nesta, or Nest ferch Rhys, was a Welsh princess in the late 11th and early 12th century. Her father was the last King of Wales, and Nesta was taken to England where she became mistress of the future Henry II. Her story is so fascinating and deserves to be better known, which is why it's so great bestselling historical fiction author Elizabeth Chadwick has written a new book about her! Elizabeth joins me to share the story of Nesta and talk about her latest book, THE KING'S JEWEL. Learn more about Elizabeth and her books Buy a copy of THE KING'S JEWEL from bookshop.org -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So who was the real Queen Charlotte aka Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz? Was she at all like the spirited heroine of the Bridgerton spinoff series? Or was she actually the most basic and bland person ever profiled on this podcast? And if the latter, how low will her score be? This episode was recorded before QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY came out on Netflix, and contains no spoilers! But also, we didn't know what the show was like when we had this discussion, so bear that in mind. -- References: The Real Queen Charlotte: Inside the Real Bridgerton Court by Catherine Curzon -- Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story adapts the real-life story of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, presenting her as a Black woman living in 18th-century England. There have long been rumours about Charlotte's real-life Black ancestry. To understand this complex situation, I sat down with two experts to learn more. ** Content warning: at around 1:33:25, the derogatory racial term "mulatto" is used twice, in a historical context. ** Stacey Morrell is a Ph.D. candidate at Brown University. Stacey works on the western Mediterranean throughout much of the Middle Ages (c.900-1520), with a particular emphasis on the relationship(s) between gender, sexuality, and power. Learn more about Stacey Murrell and her work YouTube video of Stacey's presentation on Madragana (her part is from 1:00:15 to 1:26:46) Follow Stacey on Twitter @theamyrlinseat Dr. Brooke Newman is an Associate Professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a historian of early modern Britain and the British Atlantic, with a current special interest in the history of slavery, the abolition movement, and the British royal family. Learn more about Dr. Newman and her work Follow Dr. Newman on Twitter @DrBrookeNewman -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All scandalicious things must come to an end, and so it is with the unrelentingly wild saga of Catherine de'Medici. But how will she score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicous Scale??? -- Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking about the history of language with Dr. Valerie Fridland, author of the new book Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. Valerie has a PhD in linguistics and is a Professor and former Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at the University of Nevada in Reno. Learn more about Valerie and her book here Click to buy a copy on Bookshop.org -- Tits Oit For Trans Rights http://vulgarhistory.com/donate -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second part of Catherine de’Medici’s story, or, how do you solve a problem like De Guises? -- Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a super special! This time we're joined by Vanessa Wilkie, author of the new biography A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: THE SPECTACULAR RISE OF ALICE SPENCER IN TUDOR ENGLAND. This book has crossover with the Vulgar History episode about Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, in that, Alice Spencer was Anne Stanley's mother. She was also the wife of VH fav Ferdinando Stanley, and also a member of the Spencer family you may know from Princess Diana's whole deal. Learn more about the book and buy a copy here Info about Vanessa's role and research at the Huntington Library Listen to the Vulgar History episode about Alice's daughter, Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, here -- Tits Out For Trans Rights fundraiser vulgarhistory.com/donate -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No discussion of Mary Queen of Scots is complete without talking about her one time mother-in-law, Catherine de'Medici. In part one, we set the stage for Catherine's long life of relentless scheming. Also, I learn how to correctly pronounce her name! Plus: discussion of her husband's maybe wonky dick. And, how she, her husb, and his mistress were not really a Diana/Charles/Camilla scenario. Plus: Popes! -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

***Note: the audio quality is a bit different in this one because my computer was having a fit, but don't worry, it's still a great episode and SO IMPORTANT and I'm glad to release it despite some audio oddness.*** It's a super special! I'm joined by Max Wallace to talk about his new book, AFTER THE MIRACLE: THE POLITICAL CRUSADES OF HELEN KELLER. I truly can't recommend this book enough, I've never had my understanding of a woman from history expanded as much as what Max discusses about Helen Keller. Learn more about the book and find links to buy a copy here -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author (and actor) Paterson Joseph joins us to share the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a Black man from Georgian England whose story deserves to be much more widely known. Which is why Paterson wrote a book about him! Paterson's novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, is available everywhere you get books, including bookshop.org Including as an audiobook, read by the author! You can follow Paterson on Twitter @ignatius_sancho and on Instagram @patersondjoseph -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second part of Marie de Guise's story is no less chaotic than the first part, as she winds up single-handedly running Scotland while fending off the Asshole Scottish Lords, dealing with her useless brothers, and honestly spending most of her time wishing she was back in France for the wine and cheese. Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube! eksplaine Youtube eksplaine IG -- And here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson And here's a link to my birthday fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to learn about Marie de Guise, the mother of Mary Queen of Scots! De Guise expert Lana Wood Johnson joins us to talk about just how influential Marie's family was, how and why she wound up in Scotland, how she dealt with the Asshole Scottish Lords ft. John Goddamn Knox, and how nature AND nurture would lead to in the development of Mary Queen of Scots's personality later on. I forgot to say in the episode, but my main source of info about Marie was this book: Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise by Melanie Clegg Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube! eksplaine Youtube eksplaine IG -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend of the podcast Gina Berry joins us to talk about one of her favourite women from history: Nefertiti! In this incredibly long conversation, we get into exactly how long ago Nefertiti lived (VERY LONG AGO), how unusual her husband Akhenaten's reign was (VERY), and how messed up everything still is vis-a-vis her famous sculpture and where it's located. You can follow Gina on Twitter @gbdolfan If you want to read more about Nefertiti and ancient Egypt, Gina recommends: Amarna Sunrise: Egypt from Golden Age to Age of Heresy by Aidan Dodson Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamen, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation (Revised) by Aidan Dodson Nefertiti, Queen and Pharaoh of Egypt: Her Life and Afterlife by Aidan Dodson Nefertiti: Unlocking the Mystery Surrounding Egypt's Most Famous and Beautiful Queen by Joyce Tyldesley -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the thrilling conclusion of Margaret Tudor's story we get: two terrible husbands! Several infant and child kidnappings! Sneaking across the border more than once! A shocking alliance on par with Margaret of Anjour/Warwick and Rani Didda/Phalguna! Cannon-based divorce drama cause that's just how they do it in Scotland! And: her scandilicious score. As Henry VIII would say: Herman, my pills!! Recommended next listening: the episode about Margaret Douglas from season 4, because that's Margaret Tudor's daughter and we talk more about what happened with her. -- References: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In season 6, we'll be looking at the story of Mary, Queen of Scots. And where better to start off than with her grandmother, whose life was also oddly setting up several precedents for Mary to the point it's like: are they the same person across time? Learn about Margaret's child bride queen era, how she ensured her entry to Scotland was on par with that time Rihanna wore Guo Pei to the Met, and how the Tudor affliction of falling for bad boys is going to play out for her. Coming up next week: Herman, my pills!! -- References: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Greeley's new historical fiction novel, MARVELOUS, is based on the real-life story of Petrus Gonsalvus and his wife, Catherine. Petrus aka Pedro had a condition called hypertrichosis which meant his body was covered in hair. This caught the attention of the French Queen (a certain CATHERINE DE'MEDICI), who liked having unusual people around her. And so, Petrus/Pedro was well educated and raised in the royal court. Petrus/Pedro's wife, Catherine, did not have this condition and then most of their children inherited it. The story of Petrus/Pedro and Catherine may have inspired a version of the Beauty & the Beast fairy tale (and maybe the prosthetics used on the Beast in the recent live-action adaptation)? Learn more about Molly and her book at mollygreeley.com Buy a copy of MARVELOUS using this bookshop link to help support Vulgar History -- Tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the 100th episode** of Vulgar History, and who better to chat with than author Jac Jemc! Jac is the author of the new book EMPTY THEATRE, which is a story mostly about Empress Sisi and her Cousin "Mad King" Ludwig II, but also talks about Lola Goddamn Montez, Ludwig "nature or art" I, and is an overall delightful romp through this part of history. Learn more about Jac and her upcoming events at jacjemc.com and follow her on Instagram @jacjemc and Twitter @jacjemc Buy a copy of EMPTY THEATRE from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History at this link: bookshop.org/a/1419/9780374277925 -- And tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. -- ** depending on if you count the super special episodes, which I do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Princess O'Nika Auguste, a Saint-Lucian writer, theologian, historian, poet-critic, researcher, and digital content creator. She's here to talk about Amanirenas, Queen of the Kingdom of Kush from c. 40 BCE to c. 10 BCE, and was a one-eyed Black woman who prevented the Romans from taking over most of the African continent. Follow Princess O'Nika Auguste: Instagram: @isletheologian Substack: princessonikaauguste.substack.com Twitter @isletheologian Merch store www.zazzle.com/store/isletheologian Patreon: patreon.com/isletheologian Ko-Fi ko-fi.com/isletheologian -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of So This Asshole used to live behind a paywall on Patreon, but now is free for all to hear! In it, friend of the pod Allison Epstein takes the lead to discuss a person they hate very much: Napoleon Bonaparte. We also talk about Allison's upcoming new book, LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD, and how Napoleon is involved in it (he is not literally in the book, but his presence looms large). Learn more about Allison and their new book at allisonepstein.com and follow them on Twitter @rapscallison and IG @rapscallison and subscribe to their newsletter rapscallison.substack.com/ Want to hear more episodes of So This Asshole? Support Vulgar History on Patreon at the $5/month+ level here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter -- Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm sharing my chat with Emran Iqbal El-Badawi, Program Director and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Houston, where he is also Chair of Modern and Classical Languages. He's here to talk about his new book: "Queens and Prophets: How Arabian Noblewomen and Holy Men Shaped Paganism, Christianity and Islam." He's here to talk all about ancient Arabia, why other scholars in the field challenged him about writing this book, the role of women in this culture, and to explain how he's able to research people who lived so long ago there is very little written historical record (it helps he's able to read in a multitude of languages!) "Queens and Prophets" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link. Follow Imran on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/emrane -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm sharing my chat with author Flora Fraser about her newest historical biography: Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora Macdonald. Flora Macdonald was a Scottish woman who lived in the 18th century, and kind of accidentally became a heroine of the Jacobite rebellion. As Flora Fraser discovered in her research, Macdonald's life also included involvement in the American Revolution, and she and her family passed through parts of Atlantic Canada before she wound back up in Scotland. Learn more about Flora Fraser and her work at florafraser.com "Pretty Young Rebel" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I got to talk with Joanna Hickson, author of seven books (so far!) about 15th-century English women, mostly from the Tudor era. The occasion for our chat is the paperback release of her latest book, The Queen's Lady, which is about a very interesting Tudor-era woman I'd never heard of before named Joan Vaux. Keep up with Joanna and her books at twitter.com/joannahickson and facebook.com/joannahickson You can buy a copy of The Queen's Lady (or any of Joanna's other books) at any bookseller near you, and/or by using the Vulgar History link at bookshop.org bookshop.org/a/1419/9780008305659 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special treat for you! This episode of used to only live behind the paywall on Patreon, but Charles Dickens was simply too much of a dirtbag to keep the story from you all. ** Note that this was originally recorded in December 2021, for Patreon, so some of the chit-chat is that of a younger me, so long ago, so bear that in mind. ** If you'd like to hear me talk about more terrible men from history, you can subscribe to my Patreon at the $5/month level! You can join up here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter And you can learn more about Catherine Hogarth Dickens in the book The Other Dickens by Lillian Nayder Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doña Gracia Nasi was born in Portugal to Spanish parents, then because of the whole Reconquista and Inquisition scenarios, wound up in Antwerp, Venice, and then Istanbul. She ran a wildly impressive banking company, inherited a pepper empire, and used her connections to help save other Jewish people from persecution. Along the way, she crossed paths with a truly impressive number of previous Vulgar History heroines. Discussion of antisemitism 5:27 - 18:03 -- Podcasts to learn more about Gracia and about Jewish history: A Deeper Conversation: The Podcast for Jewish Women The Jewish Story -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- References: https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/2019/01/31/jews-money-myth/ https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/nasi-dona-gracia https://mjhnyc.org/blog/a-righteous-woman-dona-gracia-mendes-nasi/ https://headstuff.org/culture/history/terrible-people-from-history/gracia-mendes-nasi-renaissance-businesswoman/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracia_Mendes_Nasi https://www.etzion.org.il/en/halakha/pogroms-1391-spain https://aish.com/dona-gracia-nasi-the-spanish-inquisitions-underground-railroad/ -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the internationale season finale and we're going out with a PIRATE STORY!!! Zheng Yi Sao aka Shi Yang aka Ching Shih was the most successful pirate of all time. Not just the most successful lady pirate: The Most Successful Pirate Of All Time (All Gender). Hers is a story of success after success and honestly that's refreshing after all that some of the other women this season had to put up with. Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history: With Chinese Characteristics podcast hosted by Natalie and Cherrie Asian American History 101 podcast hosted by Gen and Ted References: You’re Dead To Me podcast featuring Professor Ronald C. Po Pirate Women: the princesses, prostitutes, and privateers who ruled the seven seas by Laura Sook Duncombe Pirates and Privateers article by Tanner Price Atlas obscure article by Urvida Banerji Article on Sixth Tone by Xueting Christine Ni -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After part one laid a lot of track, part two is just all engines go as we look at the subsequent forty-seven years. There were two cult-based rebellions! Three emperors, all chosen by her! A marble boat! A person named Wild Fox Kang! Poisonings! Illnesses! Fleeing in a mule cart! She kept trying to retire but they kept sucking her back in! Also please note: PANTS. -- Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history: Asian American History 101 With Chinese Characteristics -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- References: Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang Women In World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OK this is a major episode, so get ready for the twists and turns of a truly unforgettable saga. Cixi was born to a Manchu family in China in the 19th century and, as a teen, was selected to join the emperor's harem of concubines. The emperor mostly doesn't matter (spoiler: none of the emperors in this saga do), because what's most important is that in the harem she met her ride or die best friend forever, Ci'an. And what they accomplished together is truly breathtaking, changed history, and is also the cliffhanger of this week's episode. Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history: Asian American History 101 With Chinese Characteristics -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- References: Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang Women In World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artemisia I of Caria is one of the earliest recorded tits out women of history. She was the Queen of Halicarnassus hundreds of years before Cleopatra, and midway through the events of the Old Testament. She helped out Persian Emperor Xerxes I battle against the Greeks, and was so impressive Herodotus wrote about her (even though she was a woman). Help for Iran. Some organizations to consider donating to in support of the women of Iran: Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran Amnesty International United for Iran ——— Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Wikipedia Britannica.com https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1492/women-in-ancient-persia https://www.worldhistory.org/article/927/women-in-ancient-greece/ https://www.persianesquemagazine.com/4717/ Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may not have heard of Sarah Kidd, but you likely have heard of her third husband: Captain Kidd, the famous pirate. I'm joined by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the first-ever full length biography of Sarah, THE PIRATE'S WIFE: THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF SARAH KIDD to learn all about this lesser-known figure from history. Arrrr! Learn more about Daphne and her books at daphnepalmergeanacopoulos.com/ Buy a copy of THE PIRATE'S WIFE from bookshop.org to help support Vulgar History Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As soon as I read Kit Heyam's new book "Before We Were Trans" I knew I had to try and get them on the podcast. And happy day, Kit agreed! We talk in this chat about the messiness of trans and queer history, women in sexy lady pants, the gender of hats, Njinga, Catalina de Erauso, Kristina of Sweden and MUCH MORE! Learn more about Kit and their work at kitheyam.com and follow them on Twitter @krheyam Purchase "Before We Were Trans" from bookshop.org Also, as mentioned in the episode, some organizations to consider donating to in support of the women of Iran: Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran Amnesty International United for Iran Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doña Manuela Sáenz de Vergara y Aizpuru was the illegitimate daughter of Spanish nobility in Quito (in modern day Ecuador). Side by side with Simón Bolívar, she was instrumental in Spanish colonies emancipating themselves from Spain. Following Simón's death, Manuela wound up with money problems in Perú. Since the 20th century, South American feminists have reclaimed her legacy and today, she is widely beloved all over South America as their beloved Manuelita. Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Wikipedia For Glory and Bolivar by Pamela S. Murray Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doña Manuela Sáenz de Vergara y Aizpuru was the illegitimate daughter of Spanish nobility in Quito (in modern day Ecuador). After a political awakening, she became involved in the patriot revolution seeking to emancipate South America from Spanish control. And that’s just the beginning. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- References: Wikipedia For Glory and Bolivar by Pamela S. Murray Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part two of our exploration of Ireland's most scandalous heroine covers the second part of Lola Montez's life. Can't mention any details here, it's all best experienced as guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) did, by just vibing out while I tell the tale. Learn more about Allison at allisonepstein.com and subscribe to Dirtbags Through The Ages at rapscallison.substack.com/ ** I forgot to announce Lola’s total scandilicious score in the episode, scroll to the bottom of these notes to see what it is ** -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Wikipedia The Irish History Podcast Queens of the Mines podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast The Lonely Empress by Joan Haslip Lola Montez: A Life, by Bruce Seymour https://decider.com/2021/02/19/dickinson-season-2-spider-dance-lola-montez-anna-baryshnikov-pico-alexander/ https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/montez-lola-4226 https://allthatsinteresting.com/lola-montez ** Lola Montez got a 23. Here is where that puts her on the overall scale: Catalina de Erauso 23.5 Lola Montez 23 Boudica 23 Christopher Marlowe 22.5 Empress Sisi 21 --Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lola Montez is such a groundbreakingly dirtbaggy grifter and icon, we had to invite friend of the pod Allison Epstein (author of A Tip for the Hangman) to share this wildly bananas saga. The saga is truly internationale as well, as part one travels along with Lola from Ireland to India, England, Scotland, Spain, France, and finally Bavaria. And it's just part one of two!! Enjoy!! Learn more about Allison at allisonepstein.com and subscribe to Dirtbags Through The Ages at rapscallison.substack.com/ -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- References: Wikipedia The Irish History Podcast Stuff You Missed in History Slass podcast The Lonely Empress by Joan Haslip Lola Montez: A Life, by Bruce Seymour https://decider.com/2021/02/19/dickinson-season-2-spider-dance-lola-montez-anna-baryshnikov-pico-alexander/ https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/montez-lola-4226 https://allthatsinteresting.com/lola-montez Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of the saga of Queen Min, we see her extremely competently take control of the Joseon kingdom during a wildly chaotic period in time. China, Japan, Russia, and the US are all at play here and Min has to try and play them all off one another to try and prevent Joseon from falling to any. Meanwhile the father in law from hell, Daewongun, is STILL trying to get rid of her; some of her enemies realize they can manipulate her husband (the literal King) Gojong; she evades at least two major assassination attempts; she kind of rises from the dead; and does she let these things stop her; NO!! (until one of these things sadly does stop her; but does that let Gojong let that be the end of her story; NO!!!) Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History https://www.factinate.com/people/facts-queen-min/amp/ http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/10/323_70902.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Myeongseong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_eIppXwT0&t=601s https://legacyweb.philamuseum.org/doc_downloads/education/JoseonResourceBook.pdf https://www.koreasociety.org/images/pdf/KoreanStudies/Curriculum_Materials/LessonbyTime/3_GoryeoJoseon/JoseonDynastyandWomensRights-CustomandLaw_Cerulo_Beth.pdf https://www.thoughtco.com/the-joseon-dynasty-in-korea-195719 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_acUrSV0Bi0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season's internationale world trip heads to the Joseon Kingdom (modern-day Korea) in the late 19th century. In part one of two, we meet the teenage girl (name unknown; I explain why in this episode) chosen to marry the teen Emperor because she had few connections and seemed easy to manipulate. AU CONTRAIRE, the woman known as Queen Min quickly proved herself to be more capable than anyone expected, least of all her arch-enemy, her father-in-law. Reading recommendation: The Silence of Bones by June Hur Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History https://www.factinate.com/people/facts-queen-min/amp/ http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/10/323_70902.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Myeongseong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_eIppXwT0&t=601s https://legacyweb.philamuseum.org/doc_downloads/education/JoseonResourceBook.pdf https://www.koreasociety.org/images/pdf/KoreanStudies/Curriculum_Materials/LessonbyTime/3_GoryeoJoseon/JoseonDynastyandWomensRights-CustomandLaw_Cerulo_Beth.pdf https://www.thoughtco.com/the-joseon-dynasty-in-korea-195719 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_acUrSV0Bi0 -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marguerite Steinheil was a French woman in the 19th century who was embroiled in two pretty tabloid-adjacent deaths: the sex death of the French President, and then the gruesome murder of her husband and mother. She was THE moment in France when all this happened, but so many scandales happened later on that she's been largely forgotten UNTIL NOW!! Sarah Horowitz, this week's guest, wrote a book all about Marguerite's scandalicious life, called RED WIDOW: THE SCANDAL THAT SHOOK PARIS AND THE WOMAN BEHIND IT. Who better to share this story that Sarah herself! Learn more about Sarah and her book at sarahehorowitz.com Purchase a copy of RED WIDOW from Bookshop, where a portion of the money supports Vulgar History, through this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781728226323 Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we get into the third act of Sisi's life story which includes a LOT of horseback riding, a LOT of off the beaten path internationale tourism, the Mayerling Incident, and then her eventual legacy. Content warning: suicide, grooming, murder 18:36-23:39 Learn more about Lana Wood Johnson at lanawoodjohnson.com References: Wikipedia The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print) The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German) Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great) The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree) https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/ Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week was the set-up, this week we delve into Sisi's whole deal. Again we're joined by Lana Wood Johnson (author of Technically You Started It and Speak For Yourself), Sisi superfan. Learn more about Lana and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com * Content warning: starting at 8:31, there is discussion of depression, anxiety, disordered eating, anorexia nervosa, and anorexia athletica. This content ends at 27:21. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Wikipedia The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print) The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German) Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great) The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree) https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780140236347 https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/ Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empress Elisabeth, known to almost everyone as Sisi, was a Bavarian royal who married the Emperor of Austria (a Hapsburg!!). Because this is an era and region I didn't know much about, we're joined by Sisi superfan and Hapsburg expert Lana Wood Johnson (author of two YA novels: Technically You Started It, and Speak For Yourself; you should buy them!!) to help fill in the blanks. Learn more about Lana and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order References: Wikipedia The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print) The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German) Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great) The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree) https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/ Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know by now how iconic Hortense Mancini was. Is it any wonder that the other Mazarinettes were just as cool? This week, we tie up the Hortense saga with a look at the stories of Anna Marie Martinozzi, Laura Martinozzi, Laura Mancini, Olympe Mancini, Marie Mancini, and Marianne Mancini along with Boy Mazarinette Philippe Mancini. Between these seven we have: one musketeer, two accused poisoners, one iconic courthouse strut, one nighttime fleeing from the law, at least one pretty cool husband, at least one escape from a convent, and more! Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Wikipedia The Affair of the Poisons by Anne Somerset Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://partylike1660.com/marie-mancini-princesse-colonna/ Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode gets into Hortense's final years, which involve: two mother-daughter reunions, how she dealt with three rapid changes in who the monarch is, CM continuing to be the best best friend to ever friend, and of course, her scandilicious score!! Content warning: discussion of suicide starts at 47:01. If you want to skip ahead to the scoring, that starts at 57:31. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Annalisa Nicholson's page at The Queen's College, University of Oxford Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/28/restoration-influencer-how-charles-iis-clever-mistress-set-trends-ahead-of-her-time Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour and welcome to Hortense's Salon Internationale! In this week's episode, we learn more about Hortense Mancini's time as Charles II's maitresse-en-titre, her relationship with Charles's daughter Anne Lennerd, her love of swordfighting, her self-sabotaging affair with Louis I of Monaco, and her platonic life partner Charles de Marguetel de Saint-Denis, seigneur de Saint-Évremond aka CM, and overall her new era as Renaissance Influencer. And the story doesn't end here! Next week we'll wrap up the Hortense Saga with her post-post Charles era, and finally see how she scores on the Fredegund memorial scale. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://www.winemag.com/2022/02/11/hortense-mancini-runaway-duchess-champagne/ https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/28/restoration-influencer-how-charles-iis-clever-mistress-set-trends-ahead-of-her-time Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So in 1675, Hortense Mancini fled France to hang out in London during the Restoration era. She truly took the city by storm with her superpowered beauty and scandalous ways. But in order to appreciate just what an effect she had, we need to talk for a minute about what London was like P.H. (Pre-Hortense). This week we learn about what Charles II had been up to since he unsuccessfully tried to marry teen Hortense (like being a volunteer firefighter, sexy Captain Hook impersonator, and oh yeah being the literal King) as well as info about his mistresses Moll Davis, Nell Gwyn, Barbara Villiers, and Louise de Kéroualle AND also the jewel heist saga of Thomas Blood. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/sex-scandals-and-betrayals-charles-ii-and-his-court/ article by RE Pritchard Leading Ladies: the many mistresses of Charles II wielded real political power by Annalisa Nicholson (History Extra magazine) Rex Factor podcast about Charles II Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the next thrilling installment of the saga of Hortense Mancini, our heroine escapes from her awful husband with the help of her brother and sister, becomes the most popular muse in Rome/Europe, has a not-so-secret sexy affair with a servant, and writes her memoirs (all before age 29). And she's just getting started! Featuring special guest narrative: what her sister Marie had been up to since being forced to consciously uncouple from Louis XIV. Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith Marie Mancini: writing for her life, by Sarah Nelson Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hortense Mancini appeared one day with Sailor Moon buns and such a fascinating Wikipedia entry I had to make room for her in this internationale season. Her story is like if you did a Frankenstein thing of putting together all the most scandilicious bits of every story ever on Vulgar History ever before into one story, because it's all here! Wearing a pants disguise! Breaking new ground for women in publishing! Putting on plays in which she plays the main part! A terrible husband! Lovers! Outfits! Here in part one we learn about Hortense (incl how to pronounce her name), her sisters, brother, and cousins, her terrible husband, and set the scene with some important people who will show up in later episodes. Content warning: discussion of the details of her abusive husband and marriage begin at around 37:30. You can skip that and still listen to future bits of Hortense's story! Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help References: Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the conclusion of this Kristina of Sweden four-part saga, our heroine finds that her can't-be-tamed #JustBeingMiley personality can get in the way of her plans to take over Naples, Sweden, and Poland. But she gets a new house, drinks so much orange juice, and continues living this perplexing life that truly can't be described any way but EPIC. References: Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode finds Kristina of Sweden entering her BANGERZ era as she a) shaves her head b) is a wrecking ball all over Rome as she ponders how to live as a Freelance Queen/King. She meets some new friends (some of whom aren't grifters), is surprisingly chill about other peoples' religions, goes TITS OUT both with her collection of erotic artwork AND her neckline, and, fully just vibes out with the electric enthusiasm of a recently escaped bear that's been held captive indoors. References: Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If this was an episode of Friends, it would be called THE ONE WHERE SHE YEETS THE CROWN. Picking up from part one, Kristina is Teen Queen/King of Sweden and her main focus is doing the opposite of what Axel Oxenstierna wants her to do. But the more she remains Queen/King, the more she starts to channel Belle from Beauty and the Beast, wanting adventures in the great wide somewhere. And so, as Big Freedia says in the latest Beyonce song, time for her to release her job! References: Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices