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Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and her Successors

Eleanor of Aquitaine and her Successors

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Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and her Successors

By: Alison Weir
Narrated by: Esther Wane
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The Plantagenet queens of England played a role in some of the most dramatic events in our history. Crusading queens, queens in rebellion against their king, queen seductresses, learned queens, queens in battle, queens who enlivened England with the romantic culture of southern Europe – these determined women often broke through medieval constraints to exercise power and influence, for good and sometimes for ill.

Alison Weir’s ground-breaking history of the queens of medieval England now moves into a period of even higher drama, from 1154 to 1291: years of chivalry, dynastic ambition, conflict with the church, baronial wars, and the all-pervading bonds of feudalism. We see events such as the murder of Becket, Magna Carta and the birth of parliaments from a new perspective. Her narrative begins with the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose marriage to Henry II establishes a dynasty which rules for over three hundred years and creates the most powerful empire in western Christendom – but also sows the seeds for some of the most destructive family conflicts in history and for the collapse, under her son King John, of England’s power in Europe. The lives of Eleanor’s successors were just as remarkable: Berengaria of Navarre, queen of Richard the Lionheart, Isabella of Angoulême, queen of John, and Alienor of Provence, queen of Henry III, and finally Eleanor of Castile, the grasping but beloved wife of Edward I.

Through the story of these first five Plantagenet queens, Alison Weir provides an enthralling new perspective on a dramatic period of high romance and sometimes low politics, with determined women at its heart. Europe Great Britain Historical Politics & Activism Royalty Women England Middle Ages Marriage Tudor
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I really enjoy Alison Weir’s historical writings and this book is extremely comprehensive. History so often focuses on monarchs and their reigns, neglecting the role that the consort might have played so I was keen to learn about Berengaria of Navarre and her successors. However, the book was spoiled for me by the flat, monotonous, expressionless delivery which made it difficult to listen to and very hard to enjoy. I will be avoiding any audiobooks read by this narrator in future.

An interesting history, poorly narrated

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this was a fascinating listed, I've always know that there have been powerful women throughout history but this was enlightening as to how pivotal a role the 3 Eleanor's play in English history.

the only downside to this book was that something it was a case of king (insert name) did a thing and Elanor was there. that is only a small portion however and the rest of it is truly eye opening

fascinating listen

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This was a book that needed concentration, but the period of history covered is so rich I kept re listening to gain the best from this book. Sharing all the dates for various events offered a chronological framework for the chapters but also interrupted the story flow - if you are a history buff, well worth persevering with.

Eleanor and others

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I love the book but it's taking a long time to listen, as the narrator has a very hard voice. She modulates very well but the tone is so hard and clipped that after a while I just have to stop the book and go to another with a more relaxing voice. Excellent content though

Hard to listen for too long

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such avivid account of a turbulent time and a lasting legacy for women's sufferance

excellent subject

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