Born in either 1122 or 1124 ce, eleanor of aquitaine began life in the shadows, as was typical for a medieval woman. Eleanor found that she was expected to be no more than a decorative asset to her husband, the mother of his heirs and the arbiter of good taste and modesty. Louis and eleanor were married in july 17, but had little time to get to know one another before louis father the king fell ill and died. Eleanor of aquitane audiobooks listen to the full series. What she has to tell us is about cherishing the limited and sometimes unexpected contacts. Her portrail of eleanor of aquitaine, in the movie version of. Eleanor of aquitaine became the queen of both france and england, the wife of two kings, and later the mother of two kings. Marion meade has told the story of eleanor, wild, devious, from a thoroughly historical but different point of view. The royal couple had 8 children, five sons, and three daughters. Publication date 2000 topics eleanor, of aquitaine, queen, consort of henry ii, king of england, 1122. The other 710 is about her husbands, her children and speculation surrounding her and her family. A history of eleanor of aquitaine british heritage.
Eleanor of aquitaine 1122 1 april 1204 was queen consort of france 171152 and england 11541189 and duchess of aquitaine in her own right 171204. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read eleanor of aquitaine. Court life for a queen of france at that time was, however, stultifyingly routine. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. A thorough coverage of the life of the remarkable eleanor of aquitaine wife of two kings and mother of 3 kings. 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. This is no dryasdust history, but a rich and brilliant tapestry written in a simple and direct style and in a very evocative atmosphere.
In a period where women were most often chattel with little but their inherited holdings to offer, she ruled for long periods of time in france and england. Eleanor became regent of england during her husbands absence and when she was no in her duchy, aquitaine. Eleanor of aquitaine plays a supporting role throughout so much historiography that it seems surprising that alison weirs eleanor of aquitaine. This book is a concise biography of the life of eleanor of aquitaine, likely the most powerful and influential women in medieval european history. A life would stand apart as one of the few scholarly biographies in publication.
In 1173, henrys sons started a revolt against their father with eleanor siding with her sons. Delaware county district library ohio scanned in china. The young life, is based on the early childhood years of eleanor of aquitaine, the wonderqueen of the 12th century medieval world. The first 110 of the book and the last 210 of the book are about eleanor. The main characters of this history, non fiction story are eleanor of aquitaine. As a member of the ramnulfids house of poitiers rulers in southwestern france, she was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in western europe during the high middle ages. As delicately textured as a 12thcentury tapestry, royal biographer weirs the life of elizabeth i, etc. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Eleanor of aquitaine lived a long life of many contrasts, of splendor and desolation, power and peril, and in this stunning biography, alison weir captures the womanand the queenin all her glory. Louis and eleanor were married in july 17, but had little time to get to know one another before louis father the. Based on the most uptodate research, bestselling novelist elizabeth chadwick brings eleanor s magnificent story to life, as never before. 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 woman and the queenin all her glory. I selected this book as a biography of eleanor of aquitaine, it is almost 500 pages, so i expected to learn a lot about the fascinating life of this famous queen. This is a big one i guess we are all missing the friends and family we cant see.
Unfortunately, not many reliable contemporary sources that record the protagonist life are available to us, and in consequence, my expectations had to be readjusted. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over 800 years. Heiress to the rich french provinces of aquitaine and poitou, she was undoubtedly one of medieval europes most powerful and wealthy women. While her children and husbands lead interesting lives, i purchased a book claiming to be about the renowned eleanor of aquitaine. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, weir recreates not only a. He called himself henry fitzempress henry, son of empress. Alison weir a biography of one of the most influential women of the middle ages discusses her marriages to louis vii of france and henry ii of england, and her later efforts to secure the throne of england for. A unique blend of fact and fiction mark richard beaulieus first work of historical fiction, eleanor of aquitaine. Eleanor of aquitaine s life lessons for lockdown, part 3. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 441 pages and is available in paperback format.
A life has 2 available editions to buy at half price books marketplace. Alison weir a biography of eleanor of aquitaine, discussing her early years in twelfthcentury europe, her marriages to frances king louis vii and englands henry ii, her unprecedented political power, and. Eleanor of aquitaine was a complex, boldly original woman who transcended the mores of her society. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, she recreates not only a remarkable. Queen eleanor of aquitaine remained heavily involved in the ruling of king henry iis vast empire in france and england. The first edition of the novel was published in 1999, and was written by alison weir. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, weir recreates not only a remarkable personality but a magnificent past era. Eleanor of aquitaine s legacy in 1200, as king johns ambassador to france, eleanor defended englands french territories, anjou and aquitaine, against invasions. 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. 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. Katherine hepburn was one of my ultimate favorite actresses, from hollywoods golden years.
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