Synopses & Reviews
Eleanor of Aquitaine's extraordinary life seems more likely to be found in the pages of fiction. Proud daughter of a distinguished French dynasty, she married the king of France, Louis VII, then the king of England, Henry II, and gave birth to two sons who rose to take the English throne--Richard the Lionheart and John. Renowned for her beauty, hungry for power, headstrong, and unconventional, Eleanor traveled on crusades, acted as regent for Henry II and later for Richard, incited rebellion, endured a fifteen-year imprisonment, and as an elderly widow still wielded political power with energy and enthusiasm.
This gripping biography is the definitive account of the most important queen of the Middle Ages. Ralph Turner, a leading historian of the twelfth century, strips away the myths that have accumulated around Eleanor--the black legend of her sexual appetite, for example--and challenges the accounts that relegate her to the shadows of the kings she married and bore. Turner focuses on a wealth of primary sources, including a collection of Eleanor's own documents not previously accessible to scholars, and portrays a woman who sought control of her own destiny in the face of forceful resistance. A queen of unparalleled appeal, Eleanor of Aquitaine retains her power to fascinate even 800 years after her death.
Synopsis
This gripping biography is the definitive account of the most important queen of the Middle Ages. Ralph Turner, a leading historian of the twelfth century, strips away the legends that have accumulated around Eleanor and challenges the accounts that relegate her to the shadows of the kings she married and bore. Turner focuses on a wealth of primary sources, including a collection of Eleanor's own documents not previously accessible to scholars, and portrays an extraordinary woman who sought control of her own destiny in the face of forceful resistance. A queen of unparalleled appeal, Eleanor of Aquitaine retains her power to fascinate even 800 years after her death. 'In this engaging biography, eminent medieval historian Turner takes on a larger-than-life subject and breathes new life into her ... Overall, a beautifully written, well-researched book that will attract a wide spectrum of readers interested in medieval history.' Choice, Outstanding Academic Title for 2009 'Eleanor's is a great story, and Ralph V. Turner tells it well. Thanks to him we now have a much better understanding of Eleanor of Aquitaine, female lord.' The Tablet 'A gripping look at the woman behind the myths.' History Magazine Ralph V. Turner is emeritus professor of history, Florida State University. He is the author of 'King John' (1994) and 'The Reign of Richard the Lionheart' (2000), and many other publications on European medieval history.
Synopsis
Untangling the myths and legends of many centuries, this biography gives us the real Eleanor--tenacious, defiant, and powerful
Eleanor of Aquitaine's extraordinary life seems more likely to be found in the pages of fiction. Proud daughter of a distinguished French dynasty, she married the king of France, Louis VII, then the king of England, Henry II, and gave birth to two sons who rose to take the English throne--Richard the Lionheart and John. Renowned for her beauty, hungry for power, headstrong, and unconventional, Eleanor traveled on crusades, acted as regent for Henry II and later for Richard, incited rebellion, endured a fifteen-year imprisonment, and as an elderly widow still wielded political power with energy and enthusiasm.
This gripping biography is the definitive account of the most important queen of the Middle Ages. Ralph Turner, a leading historian of the twelfth century, strips away the myths that have accumulated around Eleanor--the "black legend" of her sexual appetite, for example--and challenges the accounts that relegate her to the shadows of the kings she married and bore. Turner focuses on a wealth of primary sources, including a collection of Eleanor's own documents not previously accessible to scholars, and portrays a woman who sought control of her own destiny in the face of forceful resistance. A queen of unparalleled appeal, Eleanor of Aquitaine retains her power to fascinate even 800 years after her death.
About the Author
Ralph V. Turner is emeritus professor of history, Florida State University. He is the author of King John and The Reign of Richard Lionheart, among many other publications on European medieval history. He lives in Tallahassee.