Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a three page Introduction, a six page listing of Works Cited, and a three page Bibliography, "Royal Inbreeding and Other Maladies: A History of Royal Intermarriage and its Consequences" is an extraordinary, unique, and inherently fascinating study of the impact genetics had on the family lines of the aristocracy from Ancient Egypt down to the European Monarchies. A seminal, erudite, and ground-breaking study, "Royal Inbreeding and Other Maladies" is an outstanding and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Royal History/Biography collections.

Read the full review here

Midwest Book Review

I really enjoyed reading this book, as I love learning about history and its dark facts. This book covered the stories of many royal houses throughout history and various regions, and their propensity to interbreed within the family. One thing I enjoyed is the nuance around these people, allowing them to be full people instead of written solely on the basis of the inbreeding. Cummings uses historical sources to bring their essence back to life, often making them relatable in their struggles of love, health, and mental wellbeing. I enjoy that this didn't take the one dimensional approach of solely dogging on them for the abhorrent practice of inbreeding, but showed their personhood and complexities, which were often the result of inbreeding detects.

NetGalley, Makenna Nugent

It was interesting reading this book, whilst looking at things with a 21st century lens. Of COURSE you don't marry your uncle/brother etc etc, who DOES that?? Yeah, they did, a lot :( I get that back in the day, people got married for reasons other than love, but there was absolutely an ick factor at work here.......

This was a well-researched book and I enjoyed reading about all the spectacular ways that the royal houses of Europe wrecked their family trees. It is a miracle that some of them even managed to continue on until the present day.

You have to feel sorry for the children who had to put up with some major defects along the way, if they even survived infancy.

4 stars from me.

NetGalley, Monica Mac

I found this book very enlightening. I'm very interested in genetics (mostly of blood and blood groups) and I find historical medical mysteries and (un)diagnoses fascinating. I appreciated the conciseness of the authors information and the fact she presented it in a way that I think most people would be able to comprehend what's happening.

NetGalley, Rae Nason

"Royal Inbreeding and Other Maladies" stands out for its ability to captivate readers with its engaging narrative and meticulous research into the complexities of royal genetics. The book's cover art is striking and sets the tone for the compelling stories that lie within its pages.

NetGalley, The Sassy Bookworm

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In this fascinating and mildly horrifying history book, Juliana Cummings introduces readers to the history of royal inbreeding in Europe and Egypt since ancient times through the twentieth century. This book, with its detail, primary documents, and mildly disturbing historical biographies and medical jargon, is truly impossible to put down or look away from. Full of detail, the case studies which Cummings explores in this novel are horrifying yet fascinating, and she treats this subject with academic respect, which is incredibly admirable. The depth of research in this book is apparent in every page, and the length is easily manageable for readers of all backgrounds. From the Habsburgs to the Ptolemys, this book covers a massive swath of history, and no one dynasty outweighs another; Cummings balances so many historical narratives and eras perfectly in this book. With its medical historical analysis and the inclusion of various medical theories behind these incestuous marriages, this book balances a traditional history of royalty with a history of medicine, a particularly enjoyable combination. This un-put-down-able historical nonfiction book is a must-read for fans of the history of European royalty and the history of medicine, and Cummings’s latest book is an absolutely fascinating read.

NetGalley, Lily Amidon

I knew there was a lot of inbreeding in the various royal families throughout history but I admit to being amazed at how much there was even when it became obvious there were some genes that were doing more harm than good. Of course, since progeny were either potential rulers or pawns in power games, volume was more important than health.

Insanity seems to have been the most pernicious trait that seemed to gallop through families. But there were other things like physical defects that would make the lives of those unfortunate enough to be the recipients a misery. One might think the wealth and privilege would be a salve for the pain but there were many whose most fervent wish was to be released from it. It is not too hard to feel some sympathy for those whose futures were determined by the desire to keep the bloodline pure. And in the attempt to ward off any outside influence we are talking about the closest of relationships with each other. Game of Thrones has nothing on some of these families.

Well researched and presented, the book offers insights into the costs of inbreeding. Four purrs and two paws up.

NetGalley, Susan Johnston

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Interesting, very interesting. I had not realized how very inbred the European royal families were! Interesting to read about the results of the inbreeding.

NetGalley, Heather Bennett

This topic has always fascinated me to some degree. I learned a lot of new things. I thought the book flowed well and did not get too technical. I felt I could easily follow and it certainly kept my interest. We learn about European royalty and Egyptian royalty. This was a great non fiction book with evident research. I read it in two sittings!!

NetGalley, leslie collins

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was such a good read, and it had a lot of interesting information. The information was laid out in an easy to understand format, and was easy to understand. I enjoyed how each chapter was set up and truly learned so much from this book. I recommend this book to anyone who has a fascination with history or even genetics.

NetGalley, Megan Craddock

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

‘While each dynasty may have had different formalities, they all had one thing in common: intermarriage was intentional.’

Juliana looks into inbreeding and the consequences of this taken place.

We learn about Tutankhamun’s painful afflictions to King George III’s mental health and the rare blood disorder that affected Queen Victoria’s family to name but a few.

Juliana has clearly done a lot of research into this topic, and I found myself surprisingly consumed with every chapter.

The key message from this book? Don’t sleep with your relatives!!!

However, throughout history this has been ignored either due to naivety or because of the strong desire to keep ‘their bloodlines pure’.

You can read this book without knowing any prior history.

I always find with these history books, that they add many more books to ones TBR!

‘Philip and Mariana were convinced that the death of their children was a punishment from God and had no understanding that the family’s incessant inbreeding likely caused it.’

A must read for history lovers. Very interesting and unputdownable.

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is fascinating and terrifying, it had a great concept and was everything that I wanted from this book. It was a interesting concept a uses the history of royal inbreeding is interesting and I appreciated it showing the consequences. Juliana Cummings does a great job in showing the research and glad it was so well done.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is only my third book by Miss Cummings but like the ones before it will not be my last. This is a great book well researched and well executed and it is a book I highly recommend a total five-star read.

NetGalley, Janalyn Prude

This detailed, thoroughly researched book covers many decades and countries to give an intriguing insight into the health of royal families across the world. There are some well known cases included but also many more obscure cases which are equally fascinating. The author does a very good job of exploring cases within their historical context, noting how the beliefs and biases against homosexuality and mental illness influenced the treatment of people.

NetGalley, Louise Gray