Portraits of Eleanor: Medieval Warrior Queen

Monster. Temptress. Murderer. Queen. Who was Eleanor of Aquitaine, really?

The juicy rumors abound: Eleanor had an affair with her uncle. Eleanor rode through town topless on a horse. Eleanor controlled her sons like puppets.

These salacious lies and half-truths about Eleanor of Aquitaine have piled up for centuries. Why? Because a woman with power threatened the status quo of medieval Europe. Can’t have that! Stifling her success, gossipy myths transformed Eleanor from a trusted mother to an adulteress, from a tough negotiator to a nightmarish shrew.

But there is a more compelling version of Eleanor’s life buried beneath these stories. In fact, the legendary Queen of England and France survived kidnapping, shipwreck, and starvation; she commanded military power and political influence throughout the 12th Century and was the wealthiest landowner in Europe. No big deal... (Actually: a really big deal!)

This sensational read tears away years of mistruths to reveal an impressive feminist icon. Full-color photographs, royal family trees, and historical artifacts are interspersed among engaging chapters that unpack the myths behind Eleanor’s legacy. Perfect for fans of Candace Fleming’s The Family Romanov or Amy Butler Greenfield’s The Woman All Spies Fear.