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Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life From Beginning to End
Eleanor of Aquitaine * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. Eleanor of Aquitaine became the queen of both France and England, the wife of two kings, and later the mother of two kings. Heiress to the rich French provinces of Aquitaine and Poitou, she was undoubtedly one of medieval Europe’s most powerful and wealthy women. Inside you will read about... ✓ Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France ✓ Eleanor and King Louis Joins the Crusade ✓ The Royal Divorce ✓ Continuing Conflict and Courtly Love ✓ At the Center of Rebellion ✓ Fifteen Years of Captivity And much more! Eleanor of Aquitaine has, not surprisingly, captured many imaginations. From inciting her sons to rebel against their father to the tale of her “courts of love,” where she reportedly fostered the idea of courtly love and promoted the arts, to her captivity and later tireless work to rescue her son Richard the Lionheart from his imprisonment, Eleanor’s life is a tangle of legend mixed with the struggle to interpret the sometimes-scarce facts. This does not make it any less fascinating—or any less worthy of study. In this book, you will find a concise exploration of the life of one of the medieval world’s most memorable figures.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 8, 2025
Not much is known about the medieval Queen because she was, well, a woman in the middle ages but it is clear that her cunning political prowess secured her position of royalty. From what I gathered from this sparse account, Eleanor had a very strong sense of self-preservation for women at the time. She succeeded in divorcing her first husband then all but became a prisoner of Henry II who cheated on her. Some historians have blamed her subsequent actions on jealousy but there is no proof. She went on to marry Henry Plantagenet
Not only did she have great influence over the lives of these men, but she also had opportunities to rule herself—in her own duchy of Aquitaine and her neighboring province of Poitou, as well as in England, where she governed in place of her husband or son during their absences.
Unfortunately historical accounts of Eleanor or Aquitane are clouded by the masculine kings who surrounded her. Personally, I think her bravery and tenacity outweighed that of Kings. She endured multiple pregnancies, miscarraiges, child loss, abduction, divorce, and infidelity. She was treated as a broodmare for kings and she still held her courtly duties with dignity and grace. I feel so humbled after reading what she endured. It seems her royal duties and responsibilities far outweighed any benefits of palace life. She was not a queen who ruled on a throne or behind gilded doors of luxury. She was a badass who accepted her fate and made the most of her destiny by always making smart decisions for her future.
The only physical relic of Eleanor’s life that remains in modern times:
Eleanor gave Louis a famous rock crystal vase that she had inherited from her grandfather William IX, who had received it as a gift from a Muslim ally—whom some scholars believe was the last king of Saragossa, in Spain.
Her son:
Richard, often known as Richard the Lionheart, was crowned in September of 1189, with Eleanor present at the coronation. Soon, however, Richard had vowed to set off on the Third Crusade.
I paired this reading with The Crusades: A History from Beginning to End
Not only did she have great influence over the lives of these men, but she also had opportunities to rule herself—in her own duchy of Aquitaine and her neighboring province of Poitou, as well as in England, where she governed in place of her husband or son during their absences.
Unfortunately historical accounts of Eleanor or Aquitane are clouded by the masculine kings who surrounded her. Personally, I think her bravery and tenacity outweighed that of Kings. She endured multiple pregnancies, miscarraiges, child loss, abduction, divorce, and infidelity. She was treated as a broodmare for kings and she still held her courtly duties with dignity and grace. I feel so humbled after reading what she endured. It seems her royal duties and responsibilities far outweighed any benefits of palace life. She was not a queen who ruled on a throne or behind gilded doors of luxury. She was a badass who accepted her fate and made the most of her destiny by always making smart decisions for her future.
The only physical relic of Eleanor’s life that remains in modern times:
Eleanor gave Louis a famous rock crystal vase that she had inherited from her grandfather William IX, who had received it as a gift from a Muslim ally—whom some scholars believe was the last king of Saragossa, in Spain.
Her son:
Richard, often known as Richard the Lionheart, was crowned in September of 1189, with Eleanor present at the coronation. Soon, however, Richard had vowed to set off on the Third Crusade.
I paired this reading with The Crusades: A History from Beginning to End
June 9, 2022
A very quick read about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, an amazing woman of the Middle Ages. It seems that not much is known about her, but this book sums up very nicely what the sources tell about her.
February 2, 2020
I suppose as someone who loves history I understand when an author says "events are unclear" or " not much is known" but there seems to me to be lot of that sort of thing in this book. I feel like it's still a good read.
Eleanor is such an amazing woman, particularly for her times, it's so sad so much of her life is not known to us. I feel like her living to age 82 and surviving 10 child births was absolutely amazing by it's self.
We do know she is what men would call a "mover and shaker" these days. She was a very rich and powerful for a woman of her times. She was the wife of two kings and the mother of two more, she went on a crusade, was regent over England, started a few civil wars and may have had the idea for the first indoor fireplace in France. LOL! It's such a shame so little is know about other parts of her life. I think she is such a fascinating woman!!
Eleanor is such an amazing woman, particularly for her times, it's so sad so much of her life is not known to us. I feel like her living to age 82 and surviving 10 child births was absolutely amazing by it's self.
We do know she is what men would call a "mover and shaker" these days. She was a very rich and powerful for a woman of her times. She was the wife of two kings and the mother of two more, she went on a crusade, was regent over England, started a few civil wars and may have had the idea for the first indoor fireplace in France. LOL! It's such a shame so little is know about other parts of her life. I think she is such a fascinating woman!!
November 9, 2019
An enjoyable quick read which provides an overview of this fascinating woman’s life. The author does a good job of separating what is known about Eleanor from scurrilous rumour and inference. I’d love to read more about her, but the reviews of Alison Weir’s much longer biography suggest that not much more is known.
January 19, 2019
Curta biografia de uma das personalidades mais fascinantes da Idade Média. Trabalho simples e honesto, sem pretensões académicas nem fantasias literárias delirantes. É o que se propõe ser: uma cura biografia de carácter enciclopédico que se lê numa hora.
July 16, 2024
I was drawn to this book by its glorious cover. Is that really her? Is that an artist’s rendition of her? Is that a totally random painting of a beautiful woman that makes an eye catching cover?
December 13, 2025
I didn't realize how short this was when I bought it, but it was pretty much a documentary on audio. Perfect for what I was looking for. She was a fascinating character.
January 21, 2023
Uncertain Biography fascinating History
Innuendo,rumors, political rivalry, intrigue and Greed all the making of a TV series
its really to bad there's not solid historical documents or reliable sources this was a great story well done Hourly History
Innuendo,rumors, political rivalry, intrigue and Greed all the making of a TV series
its really to bad there's not solid historical documents or reliable sources this was a great story well done Hourly History
July 29, 2020
Just not enough Eleanor!
Eleanor of Aquitaine has got to be the most fascinating woman in all of history! I read everything I can find about her life and times. I agree, with the author of this book, that most of what we read about her is mere fiction. However, the stories written about her (either truth or fiction) and her life only fan the flames of imagination. She was a woman with boundless energy and an extremely canny mind. To be the wife of two kings, the mother of two kings, she most certainly had to be canny. For instance, she had one of Henry's illegitimate sons made an archbishop so he couldn't interfere with the ruling of England after Henry I died. I forget exactly how the book cites it. For those who want to read more about her, I suggest Jean Plaidy's fictional account Courts of Love. Also, Alison Weir has written an outstanding book about her. Currently, I am reading Elizabeth Chadwick's trilogy about her. So many books about one woman! Happy reading!
Oh, almost forgot! I have it given it four stars because the book just ended too soon. It should have been The Hour and a Half History!
Eleanor of Aquitaine has got to be the most fascinating woman in all of history! I read everything I can find about her life and times. I agree, with the author of this book, that most of what we read about her is mere fiction. However, the stories written about her (either truth or fiction) and her life only fan the flames of imagination. She was a woman with boundless energy and an extremely canny mind. To be the wife of two kings, the mother of two kings, she most certainly had to be canny. For instance, she had one of Henry's illegitimate sons made an archbishop so he couldn't interfere with the ruling of England after Henry I died. I forget exactly how the book cites it. For those who want to read more about her, I suggest Jean Plaidy's fictional account Courts of Love. Also, Alison Weir has written an outstanding book about her. Currently, I am reading Elizabeth Chadwick's trilogy about her. So many books about one woman! Happy reading!
Oh, almost forgot! I have it given it four stars because the book just ended too soon. It should have been The Hour and a Half History!
June 11, 2021
Well written though the many people Eleanor encountered was a bit difficult to keep straight. She was perhaps the most powerful woman of her era and she used that power to influence events that mattered to her. She was married twice, first in 1137 at age 15, to Louis VII of France. She bore him two daughters. Their marriage was annulled in 1152 because she did not produce Louis an heir. He was given custody of their daughters and Eleanor's land (Aquitain) was restored to her. After 2 years she promptly married Henry Plantagenet, the Duke of Normandy, who became Henry II of England. At first their marriage was happy and she bore him 8 children, 5 sons and 3 daughters. Eventually Eleanor and Henry grew apart, partly due to Eleanor's political dealings which led Henry to place her under house arrest for 15 years (1173-1189).
Of her children she was especially close to Richard, who became king after his father, Henry II, passed away. She accompanied him on his crusade. Sadly Richard died before his mother.
She also lived to see her son John become king (1199-1216). Eleanor died in 1204 at the age of 82.
Of her children she was especially close to Richard, who became king after his father, Henry II, passed away. She accompanied him on his crusade. Sadly Richard died before his mother.
She also lived to see her son John become king (1199-1216). Eleanor died in 1204 at the age of 82.
February 6, 2022
Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the middle ages most dynamic female characters. She was actually born to be a queen. At one point she was actually queen of two different countries England and France. She had several children, including four sons who ultimately went to battle with their own father.
I remember watching the movie “the lion in winter“ many many years ago, as the film was released in 1968. In that movie Eleanor is already a middle-aged woman, no longer a beautiful maiden. At this point she’s already been married to Henry II for sometime, and has gone to battle with him In an attempt to gain land for her sons. Henry inprisons Eleanor and leaves her there for 15 years. Any other interesting facts about Eleanor‘s life lare included in this, albeit short, hourly history. But, it’s certainly enough to give you some good insight into her life.
I remember watching the movie “the lion in winter“ many many years ago, as the film was released in 1968. In that movie Eleanor is already a middle-aged woman, no longer a beautiful maiden. At this point she’s already been married to Henry II for sometime, and has gone to battle with him In an attempt to gain land for her sons. Henry inprisons Eleanor and leaves her there for 15 years. Any other interesting facts about Eleanor‘s life lare included in this, albeit short, hourly history. But, it’s certainly enough to give you some good insight into her life.
February 15, 2019
A nice enjoyable overview of Eleanor
I enjoyed this overview of Queen Eleanor. I feel very connected to her as she is my x26great-grandma & her role in history is very interesting to me from both a genealogical perspective but also for solid British and world history.
I enjoyed this overview of Queen Eleanor. I feel very connected to her as she is my x26great-grandma & her role in history is very interesting to me from both a genealogical perspective but also for solid British and world history.
October 28, 2022
hard to follow
Eleanor was a very interesting person, but this was written in a way that was hard to follow. It seemed to assume a lot of knowledge about other people who existed during that item period.
Eleanor was a very interesting person, but this was written in a way that was hard to follow. It seemed to assume a lot of knowledge about other people who existed during that item period.
July 11, 2022
Well written Questionable History
I love history. For every life that exists (doesn't necessarily mean human), there are at least as many stories to be told. Of course, one must be cautious with the sources because 1) truth is subjective and 2) "history is written by the victors" (attributed to Winston Churchill, though that's even debated).
What I liked was that the author cited multiple sources for the historical data. When things were uncertain, as often is the case with women in particular, the writer clearly stated thus. Fact from fiction is imperative, and I appreciate how the legends are explained with the conjecture versus the known certainties.
What I didn't like was simply human nature. The drama of Eleanor's life (and her family) often was self made. The power struggles seemed ridiculous, with many wars causing lost lives and resources senselessly, especially when the alliances kept realigning. The royalty seems to seemed to take their trivial arguments to heightened levels simply because they could. One day, Eleanor loved Louis and hated Henry. The next, she loved Henry and hated Louis. Then, she was back in favor with Louis to fight against Henry for the sake of one son, only to change her mind to have that alliance to battle in the name of another son. I think their brilliance was wasted in their boredom, and they could've used their talents for the betterment of society.
As a history buff, I think this was a delight short read, which I recommend. It was well researched and written.
I love history. For every life that exists (doesn't necessarily mean human), there are at least as many stories to be told. Of course, one must be cautious with the sources because 1) truth is subjective and 2) "history is written by the victors" (attributed to Winston Churchill, though that's even debated).
What I liked was that the author cited multiple sources for the historical data. When things were uncertain, as often is the case with women in particular, the writer clearly stated thus. Fact from fiction is imperative, and I appreciate how the legends are explained with the conjecture versus the known certainties.
What I didn't like was simply human nature. The drama of Eleanor's life (and her family) often was self made. The power struggles seemed ridiculous, with many wars causing lost lives and resources senselessly, especially when the alliances kept realigning. The royalty seems to seemed to take their trivial arguments to heightened levels simply because they could. One day, Eleanor loved Louis and hated Henry. The next, she loved Henry and hated Louis. Then, she was back in favor with Louis to fight against Henry for the sake of one son, only to change her mind to have that alliance to battle in the name of another son. I think their brilliance was wasted in their boredom, and they could've used their talents for the betterment of society.
As a history buff, I think this was a delight short read, which I recommend. It was well researched and written.
November 16, 2019
This monarch has an amazing history. She was married to two kings and she was the mother of two more kings. We begin to hear of her when she marries the man who becomes King Louis V of France. She must have been an incredibly resourceful woman to have gotten an annulment from the Catholic Church after bearing two female children.
Although powerful in her own right, she became more powerful as the right hand of Henry II of England. Later, she also ruled England in lieu of Richard the Lionheart (her son with Henry II), while he was on Crusade and prior to his ransom. She was also the mother of John (Richard's younger brother) when he too rose to the throne of England. She must have been a vibrant, active person because we hear of her into her 80s. This biography was interesting throughout.
Although powerful in her own right, she became more powerful as the right hand of Henry II of England. Later, she also ruled England in lieu of Richard the Lionheart (her son with Henry II), while he was on Crusade and prior to his ransom. She was also the mother of John (Richard's younger brother) when he too rose to the throne of England. She must have been a vibrant, active person because we hear of her into her 80s. This biography was interesting throughout.
October 9, 2020
Eleanor of Aquitaine is, at least to me, one of the more fascinating figures of European history. I read nearly anything I can find on her, and this text was an enjoyable and decently informative read. The book seems to stick mostly to the facts and does not dabble too much in speculation or rumor-enabling. I would rather an author say something is unclear where history is concerned than utilize unreliable sources or conjecture.
If you are interested in the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, this book is a good place to start, but it doesn't provide enough information to give you the total picture of her. (That's not necessarily a mark against it, in my opinion. I appreciated its brevity. It does what it sets out to do.)
If you are interested in the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, this book is a good place to start, but it doesn't provide enough information to give you the total picture of her. (That's not necessarily a mark against it, in my opinion. I appreciated its brevity. It does what it sets out to do.)
November 7, 2022
A Woman Ahead of Her Time
I have been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine since 1968, when I saw the movie “The Lion in Winter.” This independent ruler oof a duchy in France, wife of two powerful kings, a participant in the Crusades, Queen of England in her husband’s absence, mother to two kings of England and matriarch of the Plantagenet dynasty led a a life filled with momentous moments, not the least of which included waging war against her husband Henry II over which son will inherit the crown, ultimately being imprisoned for years by that husband. If I had to spend time with anyone in history, Eleanor would my first choice. This brief biography helped separate myth and legend from fact. Very insightful.
I have been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine since 1968, when I saw the movie “The Lion in Winter.” This independent ruler oof a duchy in France, wife of two powerful kings, a participant in the Crusades, Queen of England in her husband’s absence, mother to two kings of England and matriarch of the Plantagenet dynasty led a a life filled with momentous moments, not the least of which included waging war against her husband Henry II over which son will inherit the crown, ultimately being imprisoned for years by that husband. If I had to spend time with anyone in history, Eleanor would my first choice. This brief biography helped separate myth and legend from fact. Very insightful.
March 28, 2020
Facts without the fluff
This is the first Hourly History book I have read. It took more than an hour to read, but I enjoyed learning about Eleanor of Aquitaine, and her influence over three kings, two the king of France and king of England which were her husbands. The author mentions some of the myth surrounding Eleanor, but sticks with facts for the most part. The only part that seemed out of place was the reference to a prophecy made by Merlin, which seemed out of place in the author's efforts to focus on fact. Otherwise I found this to be an entertaining history lesson and will read more Hourly History in the future.
This is the first Hourly History book I have read. It took more than an hour to read, but I enjoyed learning about Eleanor of Aquitaine, and her influence over three kings, two the king of France and king of England which were her husbands. The author mentions some of the myth surrounding Eleanor, but sticks with facts for the most part. The only part that seemed out of place was the reference to a prophecy made by Merlin, which seemed out of place in the author's efforts to focus on fact. Otherwise I found this to be an entertaining history lesson and will read more Hourly History in the future.
December 7, 2020
This is one person I didn't know anything about and I'm glad I read the book about her. She was a very, very strong female figure in a time when virtually women were considered below men and not much of any political importance.
She ended up the wife of two kings, the mother of two more kings and was even a queen. Not much is known about her early life, though.
The book goes into her link with Aquitaine, her marriage to a king, her involvement in a war with England, her being Queen of France, her problems with a Pope, her being Queen of England and a lot of other interesting information about her. Worth reading.
She ended up the wife of two kings, the mother of two more kings and was even a queen. Not much is known about her early life, though.
The book goes into her link with Aquitaine, her marriage to a king, her involvement in a war with England, her being Queen of France, her problems with a Pope, her being Queen of England and a lot of other interesting information about her. Worth reading.
June 4, 2020
This is a really interesting read. I’ve been interested in Eleanor of Aquitaine since I first discovered that we were related, but there are so many different tales about her that it’s challenging to discern the truth. This book does its best to present information about her life in an accurate format while dispelling rumors that have no historical grounds. If you like history, give this quick read a try.
January 26, 2024
Eleanor af Aquitaine var drottnig á ofanverðri 12. öld og bjó mest megnis í annaðhvort Englandi eða Frakklandi. Það er annars ekkert svo mikið vitað um hana fyrir utan einhverja annála. Af bókum í þessari hourly seríu þá er þessi með þeim styttri eða um 30 bls. Kannski að sterkasta tengingin við Eleanor sé fundin í öðru nafni, Ríkharði Ljónshjarta, en margur kannast við það nafn umfram mörg önnur nöfn þökk sé bókum fyrir börn.
March 25, 2020
Woman warrior
Quit a story. I had never heard of her in my High school European history class. Twelve century Europe was very much like the Middle eastern culture of today or feudal Japan. Constant revolts and siblings attempting to kill each other. She was a very head strong person.
Quit a story. I had never heard of her in my High school European history class. Twelve century Europe was very much like the Middle eastern culture of today or feudal Japan. Constant revolts and siblings attempting to kill each other. She was a very head strong person.
May 14, 2021
More like 2.5 but I'll round up.
This sort of read like a very long wikipedia article, but less organized and harder to follow. Eleanor of Aquitaine is a fascinating character, it's really too bad there isn't more information about her - she was Queen of France and Queen of England, and very little was written about her! I appreciated that this book distinguished between what is actually known about her (not much) and what is legend (a lot).
This sort of read like a very long wikipedia article, but less organized and harder to follow. Eleanor of Aquitaine is a fascinating character, it's really too bad there isn't more information about her - she was Queen of France and Queen of England, and very little was written about her! I appreciated that this book distinguished between what is actually known about her (not much) and what is legend (a lot).
June 11, 2021
◾Eleanor as one of the middle ages’ most bold and dynamic characters, it is easy to forget that she was also a real person.
◾She endured failed marriages, arranged uncertain political marriages for her children, watched her sons fight each other and all but one die before her, and struggled to bring her most beloved son back home.
◾She endured failed marriages, arranged uncertain political marriages for her children, watched her sons fight each other and all but one die before her, and struggled to bring her most beloved son back home.
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May 14, 2022With these books on royal families, I really think it would be best having a family tree!! Luckily this wasn’t as tricky to understand as the Wars of the Roses is haha but I would’ve appreciated a family tree nonetheless, especially with all the kids Eleanor popped out.
Either way, I love reading about historical women sticking it to the patriarchy xx
Either way, I love reading about historical women sticking it to the patriarchy xx
October 24, 2022
Not only are the "A Life From Beginning to End" books designed to be superficial, but this one is about someone who is nearly nonexistent in the factual historical record. With those challenges, this does a good job of explaining what is fact, what is conjecture, and what is, likely, myth. It's a good review.
April 23, 2024
Short, simple and far from sweet perceived history
Nice summary about a powerhouse of a female who married not only one but two Kings, raised powerful children, and appeared to have respected opinions and influence. Despite historical conjecture about the details of her life, the author does a nice job trying to stay objective and highlights potential bias from prior record.
Nice summary about a powerhouse of a female who married not only one but two Kings, raised powerful children, and appeared to have respected opinions and influence. Despite historical conjecture about the details of her life, the author does a nice job trying to stay objective and highlights potential bias from prior record.
December 6, 2024
This brief audiobook packs quite a bit of information for sixty minutes. Don't expect in-depth analysis, but it covers most, rapid fire style. If you're looking for a more complete biography, I suggest the book written by Alsion Weir.
Queen of France. Queen of England. Dutchess of Aquitaine. The most powerful woman in Europe in the 12th century.
Queen of France. Queen of England. Dutchess of Aquitaine. The most powerful woman in Europe in the 12th century.
May 14, 2018
Pleasantly surprised by this one. I've been studying Eleanor of Aquitaine for a long time now and am always interested in how these short texts present her remarkable life. It's the bare bones of her story, but the series is Hourly History after all.
January 26, 2021
Interesting history
Did not know much about Eleanor before reading.
I have heard of her son's though.
Very good read.
She had a very troublesome life, but I can't help but think she brought it on herself.
Did not know much about Eleanor before reading.
I have heard of her son's though.
Very good read.
She had a very troublesome life, but I can't help but think she brought it on herself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews