Status Updates From Plantagenet Queens and Cons...

‘The early reign of Edward and Philippa saw a succession of children and the Scottish wars that Edward led. The stabilisation of the reign was paramount, and Philippa was the poster child for the stalwart and loyal queen, which contrasted sharply with the previous queen. Philippa was to become the cultural ambassador of the court and a tempering influence upon Edward III.’

‘Isabella was politically isolated from Edward and her own royal properties and income were confiscated by Despenser himself. Isabella up to this point had displayed all the virtues of a good queen. She provided heirs for Edward II, she gave wise counsel through reconciliation with his barons, and she ensured diplomatic amity with France.’

‘Eleanor was not a popular queen, but she was a strong-willed woman who imposed her will upon her husband’s reign in many beneficial ways, especially during the de Montfort rising. She was given more liberty than Eleanor of Aquitaine over her dower lands and in her involvement in government, marriages and appointments to important offices of stage. She was a loving, loyal partner to her husband.’

‘Eleanor of Provence’s story is part of the Eleanor legacy in that Henry III, her husband, was the Duke of Aquitaine, an inheritance from his grandmother Eleanor of Aquitaine. Both Eleanors were duchesses of Aquitaine and no doubt Eleanor of Provence was familiar with Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life and resounding impact on queenship and dowagership.’

What a shame! This books reads as though it wasn’t proof read before publishing - frequent spelling and grammatical errors, without even getting started on the many typos that result in historical inaccuracy. Although the content is interesting, the text doesn’t read well - short sentences can be engaging but not when that is the entirety of the book. Very jarring.