The groundbreaking biography of one of the most progressive, influential and entertaining women of the seventeenth century, Christina Alexandra, Queen of Sweden.

The life and works of Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689) have often been obscured behind a haze of Iurid myths and legends. This book looks again at her notorious abdication of 1654, seeing it against the background of her reputation as a "libertine", a heterodox religious thinker. Her subsequent conversion to Catholicism is therefore understood as a consequence of messianic and millenarian expectations during those turbulent years, and her bizarre attempt in 1657 to become the ruler of Naples is revealed to be the political wing of a comprehensive religious and intellectual philosophy.

This is a biography of Kristina of Sweden who would have preferred to have been a man and in reality behaved like one, who loved power but had to abdicate the Swedish throne. Nevertheless she never ceased for a moment to be royal. The author recounts her life in 17th century Sweden and later in Rome. (Publisher).

"Describes the life and death of Queen Christina Vasa of Sweden"--Provided by publisher.

Each volume in the 'BFI Film Classics' series features a brief production history, detailed filmography, notes and bibliography. This text explores MGM's 1933 production of 'Queen Christina', starring Greta Garbo, from a feminist perspective. The authors explore the role of Christina, who, fleeing an arranged marriage, is forced to disguise herself as a man. They read the film partly from a lesbian perspective, as well as looking at other ways in which gender and power impose contradictory pressures.

The story of a modern woman born out of her time - one whom the seventeenth century simply couldn't contain.