Turncr, eleanor of aquitaine in the flori, ali6nor, 32 1,323,328,332333. I have a great interest in the life of eleanor of aquitaine, wife and mother of kings, and from this interest sprung another after reading her books about richard the lionheart, eleanor and henrys fourth son. The author of six previous books about english history, alison weir tackles familiar. At present i am just completing the research for my new book, henry viii. A fascinating account of one of the most alluring figures of the middle ages by one of britains most respected historians. Ljeanor ofat1uitaine, 24, 25, takes governments of her sorrs richard and ohn, in eleanor of aquitaine. Her novels include innocent traitor, katherine of aragon. As a child, he was a hostage of king stephen, henry iis predecessor. However, i was so enthralled by marion meades, page turning biography, i could barely put it down. Had i not first read marion meades book, eleanor of aquitaine, a biography, i might not be so disappointed reading weirs. Based on the most uptodate research, bestselling novelist elizabeth chadwick brings eleanors magnificent story to life, as never before. Imprisonment in 1173, eleanors son young henry fled to france, apparently to plot against his father and seize the english throne. Alison weir is one of britains topselling historians. The sweep of eleanors entire life from her early marriage to louis vii, king of france, through her marriage to henry ii of england, to her imprisonment, reign and death is encompassed in this actionpacked, highly literate drama.
In 17, fifteenyearold eleanor became duchess of aquitaine, a wealthy and powerful province in the south of france. Eleanor of aquitaine born around 1122 and died in 1204 is one of the most fascinating females in history. Two ed portraits interpret her carved stone bust at the metropolitan museum. Queen eleanor of aquitaine is sitting on a cloud surrounded by. If you want a great historical read i highly recommend this book. Many of her children are involved in various plots and schemes, which eleanor tries to navigate through, often adding intrigue of her own. Immediately after the wedding, prince louis and eleanor were enthroned as duke and duchess of aquitaine. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, she recreates not only a remarkable. During this journey, she encouraged exiled barons to return home and be.
Williams father refused to surrender a castle that stephen was besieging. The first edition of the novel was published in 1999, and was written by alison weir. Sep 05, 2020 the third novel of ms penmans trilogy about henry ii and eleanor of aquitaine, this book picks up the story some months after the murder of thomas becket in canterbury cathedral in 1171. Feb 01, 2000 its hard to make the 12th centurythe time of the violent forging of european nationhood, the literary invention of courtly love, and names like dangerosa and the lord of cognacboring, but biographergenealogist weir the life of elizabeth i, 1998 gives it the old oxford try. Two years after a dismal crusade, eleanor aspires to a fulfilling life. It is an overview rather than a detailed analysis and the narration is nothing special. Renowned in her time for being the most beautiful woman in europe, the wife of two kings and mother of three, eleanor of aquitaine was one of the great heroines of the middle ages.
In this beautifully written biography, alison weir paints a vibrant portrait of a truly exceptional woman and provides new insights into her intimate world. Lorcl ancl no stand, but innuendos indicates their strong suspicions. Good for a quick listen if you are interested in this famous woman from the medieval era. For a start, eleanor was duchess of aquitaine in her own right, which made her the most eligible bride on the continent at that time. The main characters of this history, non fiction story are eleanor of aquitaine. Account of eleanor s life starts with her ancestors, follows her happy cloudless childhood, sudden marriage to king louis of france, her relations in this illmatched union, participation in crusade, divorce, dazzling marriage to henry ii plantagenet, her genious of administration and support of chivalry culture, birth of numerous eaglets and accounts of their lives, describes the cooling down of matrimonial passion, exile, return to glory with the rule of richard the lion heart and.
Nearly three hundred line items trace eleanor s extraordinary life, shifting allegiances and warring families. Recent research indicates that it was made for eleanor of aquitaine, the most. Eleanor of aquitaine by alison weir penguin books new zealand. Eleanor of aquitaine dazzling queen of france and england, shrewd politician, passionate loverhas been celebrated throughout history by her contemporaries, descendents, and biographers. She was an important factor in the reign of four kings, lived to the ripe old age of 82, bore 10 children and outlived all but two of them. Apr 01, 2018 the greatest knight by elizabeth chadwick. Eleanor of aquitaine was wife to both louis vii of france and henry ii of england, and her sons with the latter included the legendary crusader richard the lionhearted and the king john of shakespeares eponymous play, in which eleanor also appears as a character. By the wrath of god, queen of england 01 by weir, alison isbn. Jun 20, 2020 eleanor of aquitaine is considered to have been one of the wealthiest and most powerful women of medieval europe during the 12 th century. Queen of france and england, mother of empires 9781445646176. Marion meade has told the story of eleanor, wild, devious, from a thoroughly historical but different point of view. A psalter is a prayer book containing the 150 psalms from the old testament. Books about eleanor of aquitaine if youre into eleanor of aquitaine, or generally just interested in some really historically accurate strongwilled women of the middle ages, these books are for you. A scholarly but lightlywritten book on late 12th century european politics, as told through the life of eleanor of aquitaine.
Eleanor of aquitaine, by the wrath of god, queen of england eleanor of aquitaine. Eleanor of aquitaine is my bestselling book to date. Eleanor of aquitaine book by jean markale official. Eleanor of aquitaine biography from ancient civilizations biography from ancient civilizations. Born to nobility, eleanor of aquitaine s 11221204 parents were william x, duke of aquitaine, and aenor, daughter of. A life 1999 eleanor of aquitaine is my bestselling book to date. Feb 23, 1995 eleanor, the beautiful thirteenyearold heiress to the duchy of aquitaine is informed that negotiations are in progress for her marriage to the dauphin, louis of france. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over eight hundred years. With the generation comes the fourth volume in mark richard beaulieus extraordinary cycle of novels bringing eleanor of aquitaine to life in her rich complex 12th century world. This accessible biography urges readers to celebrate the life and work of one of the most remarkable women of the middle ages. The life and times of the notorious medieval queen eleanor of. About eleanor of aquitaine in this beautifully written biography, alison weir paints a vibrant portrait of a truly exceptional woman and provides new insights into her intimate world. She originally married the king of france, and even joined him on a crusade, then abandoned him for the king of england.
Dedicated to my new biography of eleanor of aquitaine now out. Mar 28, 2021 eleanor of aquitaine, queen consort of both louis vii of france 1752 and henry ii of england 11521204 and mother of richard i the lionheart and john of england. She was perhaps the most powerful woman in 12thcentury europe. In addition sara cockerill has added her own research, breaking new ground on eleanors relationship with. She has also written biographies of woody allen, buster keaton, eleanor of aquitaine, victoria woodhull, and madame blavatsky, as well as two novels about medieval france. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
Her bestselling history books include the six wives of henry viii, eleanor of aquitaine, elizabeth of york and the lost tudor princess. Jun 21, 2019 eleanor of aquitaine has been examined by many historians, chroniclers, and story tellers over the centuries, but in many ways she remains far more legendary than historical. Eleanor of aquitaine is a 12th century icon who ha. Many of her children are involved in various plots and schemes, which eleanor tries. A novel of eleanor one of historys greatest women, celebrated by her contemporaries, descendants, and biographers, now comes to life in this mesmerizing new novel by bestselling author pamela kaufman.
The young life, mark beaulieu reveals the rich world of young eleanor of aquitaine alienor daquitaine 11241204, who would twice become a queen to louis as queen of france, and to henry as queen of england. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over 800 years. Her sons were kings of england and her daughters queens of castile and sicily, while her later descendants included a holy roman emperor and kings of france and spain, as well as a couple of saints. A concise biography of eleanor of aquitaine this book offers a concise biography of eleanor of aquitaine focusing on the major events of her life. Eleanor comes across as a remarkable woman, extremely strongwilled and independent. When she was crowned at westminster in 1154, the new queen was pregnant again. Eleanor of aquitaine drama series on the way from starz. Reveals how eleanor inspired the powerful influence of the arthurian cycles figures eleanor of aquitaine 11221204 has been long noted for her political and cultural achievements that profoundly shaped twelfthcentury europe. Best historicalfiction about eleanor of aquitaine 24 books. Louis promptly had her married to his son, and they thus.
Top facts about eleanor of aquitaine british heritage. I wanted to read more about the enigmatic and mysterious eleanor. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 441 pages and is available in paperback format. Eleanor of aquitaine trilogy collection elizabeth chadwick 3 books. A monstrous injurer of heaven and earth, as shakespeare referred to this powerful medieval matriarch, eleanor of aquitaines reign as englands stormiest and. Eleanor of aquitaine 11241204 still fascinates and intrigues historians today, who. A life received widespread acclaim and ranks among the bestselling historical biographies of all time.
Nov 18, 2020 originally published in 1999, weirs eleanor of aquitaine. As a wedding present, eleanor gave louis a vase made of rock crystal, a type of hardstone carving. These books about eleanor of aquitaine are historicallyaccurate testaments to this strongwilled woman of the middle ages. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, she recreates not only a remarkable personality but a magnificent past era.
She is the queen of two countries, rules aquitaine in her own right, goes on crusade, and is the mother of two english kings. Behind the walls of paris, the queen mother is of little value to the french. Leaving france behind to become queen of england, eleanor of aquitaine has a new cast of enemiesincluding her own husband, in the next book by new. She is the author of numerous works of history and historical fiction, specialising in the medieval and tudor periods. Her sons were kings of england and her daughters queens of castile and sicily, while her later descendants included a holy roman emperor and kings of france and. The little girl became the duchess of aquitaine and was quickly placed under the protection of the king of france, louis the fat. Eleanor of aquitaine book by desmond seward official publisher. Eleanor of aquitaine led a remarkable life queen of england and france. In 1168, eleanor w ent on a progre ss throughout poitou and aquitaine to dismiss henry s unpopular seneschals. It was the winner of the good book guide award for the best biography of 1999, as voted for by readers in 100 countries.
George mason universitys gmu special collections research center scrc houses many works which look at eleanor through various lenses, three of which will be. Based on the most uptodate research, bestselling novelist elizabeth chadwick brings eleanor s magnificent story to life, as never before. A conversation with alison weir sheri holman grew up in rural virginia and now lives in brooklyn, new york. Eleanor of aquitaine lived a long life of many contrasts, of splendor and desolation, power and peril, and in this stunning narrative, weir captures the womanand the queenin all her glory. You may remember katharine hepburns oscarwinning portrayal of eleanor in the lion in winter, or alison weirs recent new york times bestselling. This historical fiction weaves the neverbefore told story of young alienor. Eleanor of aquitaine lived a long, full life so this book cannot and does not delve into too much depth. Eleanor of aquitaine, queen of france and england home. In 17, fifteenyearold eleanor became duchess of aquitaine, a wealthy and powerful province in the. Aug 28, 2020 with her fathers death in 17, eleanor instantly entered the bewildering life of a bonafide world leader. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this book offers a fresh perspective on one of the most controversial queens in history. Eleanor of aquitaines story sometimes seems so extreme it ough.
The boston globe lauded the book as an alluringly candid portrait while the london sunday times called it a triumphantly done, lively biography. The king wasted no time in pledging young eleanor to be his son louis bride. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Eleanor of aquitaine was wife to both louis vii of france and henry ii of england, and her sons with the. The novel deals with the consequences of a family at war within itself and the impacts both on the individuals involved and on the political landscape of europe and beyond. Learn more about eleanor of aquitaine in this article. It has been said that eleanor of aquitaine was the most romantic queen who ever lived but she was given no choice about the hand that was dealt to her. This isnt really about eleanor, but it is about william marshall, her favorite knight and one of the most powerful men of his time. The young life, mark beaulieu reveals the rich world of young eleanor of aquitaine alienor d aquitaine 11241204, who would twice become a queen to louis as queen of france, and to henry as queen of england.
Dive deep into desmond sewards biography of eleanor of aquitaine with a summary, extended analysis, commentary, and discussion. The life and times of the notorious medieval queen eleanor. Eleanor s father wished to unite aquitaine and france and so, on his deathbed, he commended eleanor to louis le gros, king of france. Your institution does not have access to this book on jstor. Elizabeth chadwick, author of the greatest knight and the eleanor of aquitaine trilogy. It is the sixth bestselling historical biography of all time in the u.
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