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Books : Eleanor of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England
Rating: 
- Interesting Account of a Very Interesting Women
Once again Alison Weir has produced another wonderful and exciting biography. In this book on Eleanor of Aquitaine she has told the story of this most interesting person in a manner that had me glued to the pages. I must state that I have not previously read any books on this subject, quite a few on Richard I but nothing on his mother. I usually enjoy military history but this was an excellent story, well researched and well presented with heaps of plots, fighting and treachery. The story may well be known to quite a few people out there but to me this book offered the first timer a grand and interesting panorama of this most interesting person during a most interesting period. The narrative was quick and exciting, moving along covering a vast period of time and people however I never got lost in the story. On a number of occasions points in dispute were threshed out and a common sense approach was adopted in trying to find the truth of the matter. Eleanor of Aquitaine had a number of detractors throughout history but I think the author tried to present her story in a non biased manner. This is a good book and I think that most people will enjoy the story and even those who know the whole story should gain something from this account.
Rating: - A truly fascianting book about an amazing Woman
This book is the first book I have read by Alison Weir, coming across it by accident, I am enormously glad I discovered it.
The author brings to life a woman who's story and place in history has been somewhat overshadowed by scandal and gossip, that has long since fallen into legend. Eleanor's reputation has undoubtedly been made more unsightly by a long line of male biographers and commentators, this book redresses the balance of a talented and strongwilled woman. The vibrancy of Eleanor's character and her clever and shrewd leadership is at last given the chance to be seen in its true light.
This book highlights the way in which woman of the past did have a say and influence over their destiny and in Eleanor's case in the running of her realm, and in time, over the history of that realm. Because womens lives were not seen as worthy to document in detail, Eleanor's guile and leadership were never assessed by contempory writers. Weir's book gives us the chance to evaluate an incredible life and enjoy a gripping read.
Rating:
- Excellant coverage of a vital period of history
I am surprised by some of the criticisms of this book. True, there would appear to be very little source material to give a detailed description of the life and character of the heroine, but the book is so much more than that. Alison Weir is to be greatly complemented for her rigorous refusal to speculate or invent salacious details where no evidence exists. She shows herself, yet again, to be a careful and fair historian. Where there is doubt she openly sets out the competing versions and states her own conclusion. You may not always agree, but at least you can decide for yourself. The true value of this book is that it charts the uneasy and capricious relations between England and Royal France at a (or even "the") key period of the development of both nations as we know them today. The fascination is that Eleanor knew all the key players well, found herself in such wildly differing camps, and was present (even if in the background) at so many key events. It is fair to say that the book might be more accurately titled "England and France during the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine", but that is hardly a substantial criticism. The details of expenditure on Eleanor's personal items are of value in that they show the extent to which she was, or was not, in the King's favour at different times. I would not describe the book as dry. It is factual in parts, but it is a history book and the learning is worn lightly. One remarkable achievement is that you do not lose track of the complex familial relations of the main players. This book has encouraged me to read further about this fascinating era. It is another excellent book from Alison Weir and I would recommend it unhesitatingly to anyone interested in this period.
Rating:
- Not many sources to write on
I fully agree with the comments of most readers, who say that the book is built on little historical evidence.
Like some of them, I was a bit disappointed this story, as it is rather a dry account of what little facts we know, and characters do not really come to life as they do in Weir's other books.
However, it is the proof, if any was needed, that the author is a strict historian in all her writings: she does not invent characters or situations, she brings them to life through what evidence she has. It makes her books on the Tudor period all the more remarkable.
In this case, as another reader said, the problem resides probably in the decision to devote a whole book to the subject. Granted, the period is very interesting, the main character must have been a fabulous woman - but somehow, this is not enough.
Rating:
- Not what you would expect from Alison Weir
I have read several books by Alison Weir and was greatly disappointed by this her latest. Ms. Weirs previouse writings flowed like a naughty novel, and really transported you to another time. Eleanor of Aquitaine read more like a travel log for Henry II. I hope her next book is more in line with her earlier writings.
- Interesting Account of a Very Interesting WomenOnce again Alison Weir has produced another wonderful and exciting biography. In this book on Eleanor of Aquitaine she has told the story of this most interesting person in a manner that had me glued to the pages. I must state that I have not previously read any books on this subject, quite a few on Richard I but nothing on his mother. I usually enjoy military history but this was an excellent story, well researched and well presented with heaps of plots, fighting and treachery. The story may well be known to quite a few people out there but to me this book offered the first timer a grand and interesting panorama of this most interesting person during a most interesting period. The narrative was quick and exciting, moving along covering a vast period of time and people however I never got lost in the story. On a number of occasions points in dispute were threshed out and a common sense approach was adopted in trying to find the truth of the matter. Eleanor of Aquitaine had a number of detractors throughout history but I think the author tried to present her story in a non biased manner. This is a good book and I think that most people will enjoy the story and even those who know the whole story should gain something from this account.
Rating:
- A truly fascianting book about an amazing WomanThis book is the first book I have read by Alison Weir, coming across it by accident, I am enormously glad I discovered it.
The author brings to life a woman who's story and place in history has been somewhat overshadowed by scandal and gossip, that has long since fallen into legend. Eleanor's reputation has undoubtedly been made more unsightly by a long line of male biographers and commentators, this book redresses the balance of a talented and strongwilled woman. The vibrancy of Eleanor's character and her clever and shrewd leadership is at last given the chance to be seen in its true light.
This book highlights the way in which woman of the past did have a say and influence over their destiny and in Eleanor's case in the running of her realm, and in time, over the history of that realm. Because womens lives were not seen as worthy to document in detail, Eleanor's guile and leadership were never assessed by contempory writers. Weir's book gives us the chance to evaluate an incredible life and enjoy a gripping read.
Rating:
- Excellant coverage of a vital period of historyI am surprised by some of the criticisms of this book. True, there would appear to be very little source material to give a detailed description of the life and character of the heroine, but the book is so much more than that. Alison Weir is to be greatly complemented for her rigorous refusal to speculate or invent salacious details where no evidence exists. She shows herself, yet again, to be a careful and fair historian. Where there is doubt she openly sets out the competing versions and states her own conclusion. You may not always agree, but at least you can decide for yourself. The true value of this book is that it charts the uneasy and capricious relations between England and Royal France at a (or even "the") key period of the development of both nations as we know them today. The fascination is that Eleanor knew all the key players well, found herself in such wildly differing camps, and was present (even if in the background) at so many key events. It is fair to say that the book might be more accurately titled "England and France during the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine", but that is hardly a substantial criticism. The details of expenditure on Eleanor's personal items are of value in that they show the extent to which she was, or was not, in the King's favour at different times. I would not describe the book as dry. It is factual in parts, but it is a history book and the learning is worn lightly. One remarkable achievement is that you do not lose track of the complex familial relations of the main players. This book has encouraged me to read further about this fascinating era. It is another excellent book from Alison Weir and I would recommend it unhesitatingly to anyone interested in this period.
Rating:
- Not many sources to write onI fully agree with the comments of most readers, who say that the book is built on little historical evidence.
Like some of them, I was a bit disappointed this story, as it is rather a dry account of what little facts we know, and characters do not really come to life as they do in Weir's other books.
However, it is the proof, if any was needed, that the author is a strict historian in all her writings: she does not invent characters or situations, she brings them to life through what evidence she has. It makes her books on the Tudor period all the more remarkable.
In this case, as another reader said, the problem resides probably in the decision to devote a whole book to the subject. Granted, the period is very interesting, the main character must have been a fabulous woman - but somehow, this is not enough.
Rating:
- Not what you would expect from Alison WeirI have read several books by Alison Weir and was greatly disappointed by this her latest. Ms. Weirs previouse writings flowed like a naughty novel, and really transported you to another time. Eleanor of Aquitaine read more like a travel log for Henry II. I hope her next book is more in line with her earlier writings.