{"product_id":"henry-ii-and-eleanor-of-aquitaine-founding-an-empire-9781398115507","title":"Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine: Founding an Empire","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eHenry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine were a medieval power couple who founded the Angevin Empire, but their relationship was fraught with tension and conflict. This book explores their early lives, the birth of the empire, and the causes of its disintegration, as well as the troublesome relationships between Henry and his sons. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 352 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15 May 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Amberley Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter a twenty-year civil war, Henry II ascended to the throne of England in 1154, becoming the first Plantagenet king and the founder of the most successful and longest-ruling dynasty in English history. However, his ascension was not without its challenges. He had married Eleanor of Aquitaine, a feisty, formidable, and powerful woman ten years his senior. Eleanor had previously been married to Louis VII of France for fifteen years before their divorce, only to be angered when she married his young rival. Together, they formed a powerful medieval power couple, adding the ultimate rank of king and queen consort to their list of titles. With their union, the Angevin Empire was born, spreading from Northumberland to the Mediterranean.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the years, a wedge grew between the king and his wife, as Henry became fiercely protective of his empire and Eleanor felt restrained in his shadow. He imprisoned his wife, fought his elder sons, and pinned his hopes on his youngest son, who ultimately betrayed him. This book charts the early lives of Henry and Eleanor before their rise to power, examining the impact of their union on contemporaries and European politics. It explores the birth of the Angevin Empire, its spread from Northumberland to the Mediterranean, and the causes of its disintegration. It also delves into the troublesome relationships between Henry and his sons, who dragged their father to the battlefield to defend his lands from their ambitious and intriguing ambitions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine were a remarkable couple who played a significant role in English history. Their marriage marked the birth of the Angevin Empire and its spread from Northumberland to the Mediterranean. However, their union was not without its challenges, and their troubled relationships with their sons ultimately led to their downfall. This book provides a valuable insight into the early lives of these two influential figures and their impact on the world around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 282g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 130 x 198 x 26 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781398115507\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthew Lewis","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44247371514106,"sku":"9781398115507","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1684503242486_book.jpg?v=1684737582","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/henry-ii-and-eleanor-of-aquitaine-founding-an-empire-9781398115507","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}