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Medieval Lives
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Woman, Queen and Legend
An approachable biography of medieval Europe’s most powerful (and enigmatic) queen.
Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124–1204), the legendary queen of France and later England, has captivated historians for centuries. Heiress to the Duchy of Aquitaine, wife to King Henry II, and mother to Richard the Lionheart and King John, Eleanor lived a life marked by power, influence, and myth. This concise, accessible history sheds new light on Eleanor, cutting through the hearsay and slander with a close reading of primary sources. In it, Lindy Grant highlights the family bonds that shaped Eleanor’s power and identity and demonstrates that Eleanor’s story is one of resilience.
Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124–1204), the legendary queen of France and later England, has captivated historians for centuries. Heiress to the Duchy of Aquitaine, wife to King Henry II, and mother to Richard the Lionheart and King John, Eleanor lived a life marked by power, influence, and myth. This concise, accessible history sheds new light on Eleanor, cutting through the hearsay and slander with a close reading of primary sources. In it, Lindy Grant highlights the family bonds that shaped Eleanor’s power and identity and demonstrates that Eleanor’s story is one of resilience.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2025
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About the author
Lindy Grant
20 books2 followersA specialist in Capetian France, Lindy M. Grant is professor of medieval history at the University of Reading.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 3, 2025
Eleanor was destined for greatness. First as the duchess of Aquitaine, then as queen of France. With her divorce from the French king final, she turned and married the young Henry Plantagenet, and then wore the crown of the queen of England on his accession to the throne.
Take a walk through history, as Lindy Grant lays out Queen Eleanor's family, background, and more.
I really enjoyed this book. Eleanor of Aquitaine has long been a favorite, partially because of her association with William Marshall, but also because she commanded respect in a time where women were usually footnotes in history. Instead of just remaining in the background, she stamped her name through the pages of history.
A really interesting read, and one that I highly recommend.
Take a walk through history, as Lindy Grant lays out Queen Eleanor's family, background, and more.
I really enjoyed this book. Eleanor of Aquitaine has long been a favorite, partially because of her association with William Marshall, but also because she commanded respect in a time where women were usually footnotes in history. Instead of just remaining in the background, she stamped her name through the pages of history.
A really interesting read, and one that I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 of 1 review