Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life » (Ballantine Reader's Circle Series)

Alison Weir is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Innocent Traitor and The Lady Elizabeth and several historical biographies, including Mistress of the Monarchy, Queen Isabella, Henry VIII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Life of Elizabeth I, and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She lives in Surrey, England with her husband and two children.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a complex was a complex, boldly original who transcended the mores of her society. In this stunning biography, Alison Weir paints a vibrant portrait of this truly exceptional queen, and provides new insights into her private life. 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.

About the Author:
Alison Weir is an English biographer and historian, and the author of seven books, including The Life of Elizabeth I and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She lives outside of London with her husband and two children.

KLIATT

Who was this powerful woman, wife of two kings, mother of two kings, and heiress of the Angevin Empire? The 12th-century chroniclers as well as later writers presented contradictory pictures of the "most beautiful woman" in Europe. Much of Eleanor's story was clouded by myths depicting her as a vain, wicked, cruel, loose-living woman. As centuries passed Eleanor became in turn a romantic heroine or a mere footnote in the history of Henry II and their sons, Richard the Lionheart and John. Weir combed the chronicles and numerous other contemporary sources to research this medieval queen who left no writings of her own and of whom there is no known portrait. What Weir has done for Eleanor is to place her squarely within the turbulent milieu of feudal England and France, presenting a strong woman trapped in an era when women were pawns given in marriage to increase territory and fortunes and provide offspring. Eleanor did not conform to their pattern, even accompanying her first husband, King Louis of France, on the Second Crusade. After receiving an annulment, Eleanor secretly married Henry II, but faced a difficult and troubled marriage with her lustful husband. As punishment for supporting her sons against their father, she suffered the humiliation of imprisonment and rejection by Henry. Eleanor recovered her leadership role after his death, displaying strong political acumen. Of her eight children by Henry, she favored Richard and constantly strove to reconcile him with his brothers, especially John, who coveted the English throne. Weir depicts Eleanor as a powerful ruler who worked to save her own kingdom by supporting wise policies and patronage. She also creates a broad panorama ofthe 12th century, with its constant feudal battles, land grabs, and the treacheries of those who jockeyed for power. Genealogical tables help the reader to sort through the countless, closely related antagonists. A helpful Reader's Guide includes a conversation with Weir and questions for discussion, which enhance the focus of medieval history that Weir makes accessible to 21st-century readers. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1999, Ballantine, 441p. illus. notes. bibliog. index., $14.95. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Mary T. Gerrity; Upper Marlboro, MD , November 2001 (Vol. 35, No. 6)