Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, Mother of Empires

Eleanor of Aquitaine's life has been subjected to successive reinventions, with Sara Cockerill assessing which claims can be sustained on the evidence. This results in a complete re-evaluation of her remarkable life, debunking myths and revealing new insights into her relationship with the Church, artistic patronage, and relationships with her children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Eleanor of Aquitaine, a remarkable queen, often emerges victorious in the competition for remarkable queens. Her story, sometimes so extraordinary that it seems fabricated, is filled with headlines that captivate the imagination. Orphaned as a child, she became a Duchess in her own right, Queen of France, crusader, survivor of a devastating battle, kidnapped by her own husband, captured by pirates, divorced for barrenness, Countess of Anjou, Queen of England, mother of at least five sons and three daughters, supporter of her sons rebellion against her own husband, his prisoner for fifteen years, ruler of England in her own right, and a traveler across the treacherous Pyrenees and Alps in her late sixties and seventies.

It might be assumed that this material requires no embellishment. However, the truth is that Eleanor of Aquitaine's life has undergone successive reinterpretations over the years, with facts often losing the battle against speculation and wishful thinking. In this biography, Sara Cockerill has delved into the primary sources and the wealth of recent first-rate scholarship to assess which claims about Eleanor can be supported by the evidence. The result is a comprehensive re-evaluation of this remarkable woman's even more remarkable life. Numerous oft-repeated myths are debunked, and a fresh vision of Eleanor emerges. Additionally, the book includes the fruits of her own research, breaking new ground on Eleanor's relationship with the Church, her artistic patronage, and her relationships with all of her children, including her family by her first marriage.

Eleanor of Aquitaine's life was marked by a series of remarkable events that shaped her character and legacy. Born in Aquitaine, France, in the late 12th century, she was the daughter of King Henry II of England and his second wife, Eleanor of Provence. Despite her humble beginnings, Eleanor rose to prominence as a powerful and influential figure. She played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War, supporting her husband, King Edward I, in his efforts to claim the French throne.

Eleanor's life was filled with both triumphs and challenges. She was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, able to forge alliances and secure peace agreements that helped to stabilize the region. She was also a patron of the arts, supporting artists and writers and commissioning works that celebrated her and her family. However, Eleanor's life was not without its tragedies. She was widowed twice, first in 1252 when her husband died in battle, and then in 1271 when her second husband, King Louis IX of France, was assassinated.

Despite these setbacks, Eleanor remained a strong and resilient woman. She continued to play a significant role in the political and social life of England and France, supporting her sons' rebellions against her own husband and advocating for women's rights and religious tolerance. In addition to her political and artistic achievements, Eleanor was also known for her personal qualities. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, caring for her children and grandchildren and promoting their education and welfare. She was also a skilled horsewoman and rider, known for her bravery and skill in battle.

Eleanor of Aquitaine's legacy continues to be felt today. She is celebrated as a hero and a role model for women, particularly for her courage and determination in the face of adversity. Her life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and plays, and she remains a popular figure in popular culture. In conclusion, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman who lived a life filled with adventure, tragedy, and triumph. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity. Despite the many challenges she faced, Eleanor remained a strong and influential figure who played a crucial role in the history of England and France. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate people today, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112391