C. W. Gortner (1964–2025)
Author of The Last Queen
About the Author
C. W. Gortner was born and raised in Spain. He moved to the United States when he was a teen-ager. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco and a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing from the New College of California. He soon show more found his passion for writing and became an author of historical fiction. His titles include: The Last Queen, The Confessions of Catherine De Medici, The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile, Mademoiselle Chanel, and Marlene. He was named one of the top ten historical novelists by The Washington Independent Review of Books. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by C. W. Gortner
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Gortner, Christopher Willis
- Birthdate
- 1964-07-24
- Date of death
- 2025-10-25
- Gender
- male
- Education
- New College of California (MFA/Writing, MA/Renaissance Studies)
- Awards and honors
- Shortlisted for the Heathrow Travel Award: Travel Read, Fiction 2009
- Agent
- Jennifer Weltz (Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc.)
- Short biography
- C.W. GORTNER’s novel THE LAST QUEEN is a Marin Independent Journal bestseller and is currently being translated into eight languages. He holds a MFA in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. A regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society, C.W. is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Málaga, Spain, he is half-Spanish by birth and lives in Northern California. Visit him at: www.cwgortner.com
- Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- San Francisco, California, USA
Spain - Associated Place (for map)
- California, USA
Members
Reviews
The Romanov Empress is one of the best examples of historical fiction I have read in a long time. It has everything – exquisite details, a compelling time period, a charismatic historical figure, and extensive research seamlessly compiled into an amazing story of excess, privilege, and politics. Mr. Gortner works his magic once again to bring readers back to Imperial Russia and allows you to view its downfall from a different perspective, lamenting what was and what could have been. It is show more a fascinating story, one that captures your mind and your heart to the detriment of everything else while reading.
Many an author has tackled the fall of the Romanov dynasty in some fashion, usually from the last tsar’s and his family’s perspective as they focus on the tragedy of their deaths. Mr. Gortner instead opts to focus on the final dynastical matriarch, Maria Feodorovna. In doing so, we get a better idea of life before, during, and after the Russian Revolution. Moreover, we get a different look at Nicholas II, his beloved wife, and their children, one that diminishes the myth surrounding this doomed family. It all makes for a wealth of information that helps explain the complicated history of the Russian peasant versus the Russian monarchy to show how many years in the making the Revolution was.
Moreover, while the story revolves around Maria and her family, Mr. Gortner is even-handed in showing the mistakes both sides made along the path to revolution. He does not hide her husband’s policies and use of brute force designed to root out opposition against the royal family. Nor does he hide just how ineffectual Nicholas II is. What is most surprising is how he holds nothing back in regards to Alexandra and how her domineering attitude and abject refusal to see reason about her husband, family, and Rasputin exacerbated a political situation that was already tenuous and had a direct connection to the fate her family suffered. The whole thing reads like a juicy soap opera, but it is a soap opera backed up by a plethora of research. In my mind, this only makes the story that much more compelling.
Alongside the complex politics is this story of Maria herself, a young woman of royalty raised in a household that did not have a lot of money, comparatively speaking. It was only as she approached marrying age wherein her father inherited the Denmark throne, thrusting her virtually overnight into the intrigues, etiquette, and complicated relationships that hallmark a life of royalty. Unlike other coming-of-age stories, which is essentially what The Romanov Empress is, Minnie did not question her role in furthering those ties by the requirement that she marry. She may have hoped for a love match, but she did not hesitate when duty overshadowed that. Converting her faith to Russian Orthodox, learning a new language, absorbing new customs, leaving her family to live among strangers – none of it phased her. Later, we watch her tackle challenge after challenge with the same pragmatic approach, whether it is assassination attempts, challenges to her authority, or the demise of her entire world. She was a formidable woman, worthy of everyone’s respect regardless of how you feel about royalty in this day and age.
Then there is the appeal of the Russian royal society and lifestyle. The jewels, the art, the fabrics, the food, the ceremony – Mr. Gortner brings it all back to life in a way that makes you lament its loss. The details are vivid, so much so that he makes whatever he is describing seem almost too amazing. You find yourself looking up the palaces and other residences, the famous jewelry, and as many images as you can find of the people and their dresses just to make sure that none of it is a fantastic dream. The wealth of this family is mind-boggling, as is the fact that the remaining Romanov family fled and lived the rest of their lives essentially in poverty. While some readers may feel they got their just desserts, maintaining that much wealth while their nation essentially starved, I cannot help but feel saddened by what the world lost when Lenin took power.
The Romanov Empress is the type of novel that is virtually impossible to ignore. You have difficulties finding a good stopping place while reading, and you constantly think of it when you are not reading it. You lament the fact that you were either not alive or not aware of the remaining Romanovs while they were still alive. While you might not approve of any type of monarchical rule, you cannot help but feel that it would be awesome to be able to see the Romanov splendor in its heydey. Minnie’s story haunts you as you constantly ponder all of the “what ifs” that make up her history and wonder how different the world would be had any part of her story been different. Tsars who have been dead for over a century seem more real to you than the current farcical U.S. leaders. Mr. Gortner has given new life to a long-dead female force of nature, and the world is a little better as a result. show less
Many an author has tackled the fall of the Romanov dynasty in some fashion, usually from the last tsar’s and his family’s perspective as they focus on the tragedy of their deaths. Mr. Gortner instead opts to focus on the final dynastical matriarch, Maria Feodorovna. In doing so, we get a better idea of life before, during, and after the Russian Revolution. Moreover, we get a different look at Nicholas II, his beloved wife, and their children, one that diminishes the myth surrounding this doomed family. It all makes for a wealth of information that helps explain the complicated history of the Russian peasant versus the Russian monarchy to show how many years in the making the Revolution was.
Moreover, while the story revolves around Maria and her family, Mr. Gortner is even-handed in showing the mistakes both sides made along the path to revolution. He does not hide her husband’s policies and use of brute force designed to root out opposition against the royal family. Nor does he hide just how ineffectual Nicholas II is. What is most surprising is how he holds nothing back in regards to Alexandra and how her domineering attitude and abject refusal to see reason about her husband, family, and Rasputin exacerbated a political situation that was already tenuous and had a direct connection to the fate her family suffered. The whole thing reads like a juicy soap opera, but it is a soap opera backed up by a plethora of research. In my mind, this only makes the story that much more compelling.
Alongside the complex politics is this story of Maria herself, a young woman of royalty raised in a household that did not have a lot of money, comparatively speaking. It was only as she approached marrying age wherein her father inherited the Denmark throne, thrusting her virtually overnight into the intrigues, etiquette, and complicated relationships that hallmark a life of royalty. Unlike other coming-of-age stories, which is essentially what The Romanov Empress is, Minnie did not question her role in furthering those ties by the requirement that she marry. She may have hoped for a love match, but she did not hesitate when duty overshadowed that. Converting her faith to Russian Orthodox, learning a new language, absorbing new customs, leaving her family to live among strangers – none of it phased her. Later, we watch her tackle challenge after challenge with the same pragmatic approach, whether it is assassination attempts, challenges to her authority, or the demise of her entire world. She was a formidable woman, worthy of everyone’s respect regardless of how you feel about royalty in this day and age.
Then there is the appeal of the Russian royal society and lifestyle. The jewels, the art, the fabrics, the food, the ceremony – Mr. Gortner brings it all back to life in a way that makes you lament its loss. The details are vivid, so much so that he makes whatever he is describing seem almost too amazing. You find yourself looking up the palaces and other residences, the famous jewelry, and as many images as you can find of the people and their dresses just to make sure that none of it is a fantastic dream. The wealth of this family is mind-boggling, as is the fact that the remaining Romanov family fled and lived the rest of their lives essentially in poverty. While some readers may feel they got their just desserts, maintaining that much wealth while their nation essentially starved, I cannot help but feel saddened by what the world lost when Lenin took power.
The Romanov Empress is the type of novel that is virtually impossible to ignore. You have difficulties finding a good stopping place while reading, and you constantly think of it when you are not reading it. You lament the fact that you were either not alive or not aware of the remaining Romanovs while they were still alive. While you might not approve of any type of monarchical rule, you cannot help but feel that it would be awesome to be able to see the Romanov splendor in its heydey. Minnie’s story haunts you as you constantly ponder all of the “what ifs” that make up her history and wonder how different the world would be had any part of her story been different. Tsars who have been dead for over a century seem more real to you than the current farcical U.S. leaders. Mr. Gortner has given new life to a long-dead female force of nature, and the world is a little better as a result. show less
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is a fantastic example of historical fiction. Lush backdrops, details so clear and precise that the images all but leap off the page, a notorious yet mysterious historical figure, a very tumultuous time period - these all combine perfectly to present Catherine's story as it has never before been told. While still fiction, Gortner does an amazing job of presenting her story with plausibility so that a reader is left questioning whether this were truly show more the way the events did happen and whether the history books have been wrong for so many years.
Presented in history books as a power-hungry, cold, cruel tyrant devoted to the dark arts, Gortner's Catherine is sympathetic and all-too-human. She understands too clearly the politics and intrigue that are a necessary part of living as among royalty and knows that her options are very, very limited. Catherine does nothing more than make any sacrifice necessary for the future of her children. Her intentions are clear and never waver, but the perception of those intentions, and consequently her actions, are what cause her to be viewed by royalty and peasants alike with suspicion and dread.
While focusing on Catherine's story, Gortner also presents life in France during the 16th Century in all its tumultous glory. Life was not easy for royalty and peasantry alike. Everyone had to watch their backs and concern themselves with being reported as a heretic. The constant battle between Catholics and Protestants is reminiscent of the Crusades and even today's more modern wars in which there is no such thing as compromise. It is unfortunate reminder that the more things change, the more things stay the same.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the stark picture of life at the royal court. One had to manuever through the adultery, intrigue, political backstabbing and all other manner of unsavory behavior while presenting to the public the ability to rise above all that. One could never let down one's guard or believe for a moment that one was safe from the political machinations, greed, and scramble for power that was normal for court life. It had to be an exhausting way of life, as Catherine learned at an early age. Life at court is not the life of privilege one might expect.
Gortner's realistic descriptions and attention to detail makes it very easy for a reader to imagine living in France while forcing the reader to decide whether Catherine's actions are justified. The first-person narrative lends an intimacy that also helps the reader truly feel almost communal with Catherine. The effect is a breathtaking blast to the past, one that is filled with enough intrigue and tension to keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici brings history alive. show less
Presented in history books as a power-hungry, cold, cruel tyrant devoted to the dark arts, Gortner's Catherine is sympathetic and all-too-human. She understands too clearly the politics and intrigue that are a necessary part of living as among royalty and knows that her options are very, very limited. Catherine does nothing more than make any sacrifice necessary for the future of her children. Her intentions are clear and never waver, but the perception of those intentions, and consequently her actions, are what cause her to be viewed by royalty and peasants alike with suspicion and dread.
While focusing on Catherine's story, Gortner also presents life in France during the 16th Century in all its tumultous glory. Life was not easy for royalty and peasantry alike. Everyone had to watch their backs and concern themselves with being reported as a heretic. The constant battle between Catholics and Protestants is reminiscent of the Crusades and even today's more modern wars in which there is no such thing as compromise. It is unfortunate reminder that the more things change, the more things stay the same.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the stark picture of life at the royal court. One had to manuever through the adultery, intrigue, political backstabbing and all other manner of unsavory behavior while presenting to the public the ability to rise above all that. One could never let down one's guard or believe for a moment that one was safe from the political machinations, greed, and scramble for power that was normal for court life. It had to be an exhausting way of life, as Catherine learned at an early age. Life at court is not the life of privilege one might expect.
Gortner's realistic descriptions and attention to detail makes it very easy for a reader to imagine living in France while forcing the reader to decide whether Catherine's actions are justified. The first-person narrative lends an intimacy that also helps the reader truly feel almost communal with Catherine. The effect is a breathtaking blast to the past, one that is filled with enough intrigue and tension to keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici brings history alive. show less
I was beyond thrilled to be given the chance to read this latest book by Mr. Gortner. He is one of my favorite authors of historical fiction. In The Vatican Princess he takes on the legendary Lucrezia Borgia. Was she the evil poisoner that history tells us she was or was she just a political pawn of her family? For what were women good for but making alliances? And babies.
The book picks up when Lucrezia is 13 and her father has just been elevated to the papacy as Alexander VI. Rome is a show more hotbed of family rivalries all seeking power and the biggest seat of that power belongs to the Pope. Through intimidation and bribery Rodrigo Borgia has now brought his family to the pinnacle of power but that does not mean all are happy – in Rome or within the Borgia family. But this is Lucrezia’s story as much as her brothers Juan and Cesare play big roles. If you know anything at all about this complicated family you know that what history has left to us is not the whole story; that we will never really know for the Pope that followed Alexander VI was the indomitable Julius II and was a della Rovere and that family was a long standing enemy of the Borgias. And you know what they say – history is written by the victors. Not only written but often changed to suit their purposes.
Lucrezia at 13 is sent into her first marriage because it is politically advantageous for the new Pope but as she is “still not a woman” the marriage is not consummated and ultimately is annulled. This leads to her second marriage – also for political reasons but there are reasons to believe that this one was happy for her but soon his usefulness to the family is no more. I’m not giving anything away as Lucrezia’s marriages are part of the historical record, not to mention the fate of her husbands. After her second husband’s death- I’ll leave a bit of mystery as to how it happened – she finds herself a bit adrift but far more politically savvy at the end of this marriage so that going into her third she is a much smarter woman.
And that is where this book ends. Lucrezia is still young and the best part of her life is ahead of her but she will not live a very long life. She dies at 39 but she did give her third husband 10 children – not all of them lived. But I’m getting ahead of myself and the book. I’m sorry – she is a fascinating woman for good or bad.
The book is fascinating. It presents Lucrezia as a child who loves her father then a confused young wife, then a hurt woman when she finally realizes that she is being used. The rumours about her persist but this book makes her more real, more human. Mr. Gortner does a marvelous job of bringing the time alive through descriptions of the food, the clothing and sumptuous palaces. He also brings the ugliness of the time to life as well. It’s the kind of book you start and just can’t stop. I have a deeper appreciation for Lucrezia and I really dislike her father at this point. Her brother is another story altogether. Read the book – you won’t be disappointed. show less
The book picks up when Lucrezia is 13 and her father has just been elevated to the papacy as Alexander VI. Rome is a show more hotbed of family rivalries all seeking power and the biggest seat of that power belongs to the Pope. Through intimidation and bribery Rodrigo Borgia has now brought his family to the pinnacle of power but that does not mean all are happy – in Rome or within the Borgia family. But this is Lucrezia’s story as much as her brothers Juan and Cesare play big roles. If you know anything at all about this complicated family you know that what history has left to us is not the whole story; that we will never really know for the Pope that followed Alexander VI was the indomitable Julius II and was a della Rovere and that family was a long standing enemy of the Borgias. And you know what they say – history is written by the victors. Not only written but often changed to suit their purposes.
Lucrezia at 13 is sent into her first marriage because it is politically advantageous for the new Pope but as she is “still not a woman” the marriage is not consummated and ultimately is annulled. This leads to her second marriage – also for political reasons but there are reasons to believe that this one was happy for her but soon his usefulness to the family is no more. I’m not giving anything away as Lucrezia’s marriages are part of the historical record, not to mention the fate of her husbands. After her second husband’s death- I’ll leave a bit of mystery as to how it happened – she finds herself a bit adrift but far more politically savvy at the end of this marriage so that going into her third she is a much smarter woman.
And that is where this book ends. Lucrezia is still young and the best part of her life is ahead of her but she will not live a very long life. She dies at 39 but she did give her third husband 10 children – not all of them lived. But I’m getting ahead of myself and the book. I’m sorry – she is a fascinating woman for good or bad.
The book is fascinating. It presents Lucrezia as a child who loves her father then a confused young wife, then a hurt woman when she finally realizes that she is being used. The rumours about her persist but this book makes her more real, more human. Mr. Gortner does a marvelous job of bringing the time alive through descriptions of the food, the clothing and sumptuous palaces. He also brings the ugliness of the time to life as well. It’s the kind of book you start and just can’t stop. I have a deeper appreciation for Lucrezia and I really dislike her father at this point. Her brother is another story altogether. Read the book – you won’t be disappointed. show less
Wow- talk about an opening synopsis. It pretty much wraps up what the entire book is about, a woman that I've always known to be evil, receives an author who brings her to life in the way only fiction can. G.W Gortner takes us on a journey of exciting historical account, laced with lavish detail and romance that swept me off my feet.
While reading this I almost had to retrain my brain, as a reviewer I tend to rush through my novels, taking everything in at warp speed, with this novel I took show more it slow, savoring each chapter and choosing to devour Gortner's words over the course of a few weeks. The novel came to life for me and despite everything that history and school has taught me of Queen Isabella, I found her to be a fascinating larger than life character. I loved that the book started in her childhood and wove together all the events in her young life, leading to her eventual title as queen, a position she never thought would be hers. As readers we see the nightmarish reign of her brother how he came to ruin and how her rise to power and scorching love affair with Fernando of Aragon led to marriage and ruling together with almost frightening power that of course to this day has romanticized them into an eerie, cruel and passionate couple. We also see the political warfare, the pressure Isabella faced trying to repair her torn apart kingdom, her desire to fight and her bravery which in the novel made her more the hero and not of the damsel class, which unfortunately history has the sneaking ability to do. While Isabella certainly had the love a man, she could take care of herself and do so boldly, which for me was what made this story special. I love reading about strong women who have intelligence, bravery and harbor exquisiteness that show multifaceted personality.
Gortner also takes much liberties to explain Isabella's devotion to her faith, which caused that famous inquisition we always hear about when dealing with this particular historical figure. Over the span of time kings, queens and nations have committed horrendous atrocities in Gods name, actions that faith never require, they do it out of pride or actually thinking they are doing Gods work. Of course there are those who do things in Gods name out of pure evil and I've always placed Isabella's actions against the Jews in that category, while this book gave me plausible insight into the workings of Isabella's mind and the political strategy that may have determined many of her decisions, I still see her actions hard to justify. Gortner's account and presentation almost make me want to ditch what I know and the lack of what I know about history and retell this one as truth....a mark of a great author.
Walk into a world bursting with seductive secrets, bold story telling and history done right. show less
While reading this I almost had to retrain my brain, as a reviewer I tend to rush through my novels, taking everything in at warp speed, with this novel I took show more it slow, savoring each chapter and choosing to devour Gortner's words over the course of a few weeks. The novel came to life for me and despite everything that history and school has taught me of Queen Isabella, I found her to be a fascinating larger than life character. I loved that the book started in her childhood and wove together all the events in her young life, leading to her eventual title as queen, a position she never thought would be hers. As readers we see the nightmarish reign of her brother how he came to ruin and how her rise to power and scorching love affair with Fernando of Aragon led to marriage and ruling together with almost frightening power that of course to this day has romanticized them into an eerie, cruel and passionate couple. We also see the political warfare, the pressure Isabella faced trying to repair her torn apart kingdom, her desire to fight and her bravery which in the novel made her more the hero and not of the damsel class, which unfortunately history has the sneaking ability to do. While Isabella certainly had the love a man, she could take care of herself and do so boldly, which for me was what made this story special. I love reading about strong women who have intelligence, bravery and harbor exquisiteness that show multifaceted personality.
Gortner also takes much liberties to explain Isabella's devotion to her faith, which caused that famous inquisition we always hear about when dealing with this particular historical figure. Over the span of time kings, queens and nations have committed horrendous atrocities in Gods name, actions that faith never require, they do it out of pride or actually thinking they are doing Gods work. Of course there are those who do things in Gods name out of pure evil and I've always placed Isabella's actions against the Jews in that category, while this book gave me plausible insight into the workings of Isabella's mind and the political strategy that may have determined many of her decisions, I still see her actions hard to justify. Gortner's account and presentation almost make me want to ditch what I know and the lack of what I know about history and retell this one as truth....a mark of a great author.
Walk into a world bursting with seductive secrets, bold story telling and history done right. show less
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- Works
- 23
- Members
- 4,107
- Popularity
- #6,124
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 363
- ISBNs
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