Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World [Paperback]

Polly Schoyer Brooks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 1999

Accused of being a demon by those who could not tolerate her independence, Eleanor of Aquitaine made her mark as one of the most dynamic and extraordinary figures of the Middle Ages. Born in 1122, Eleanor refused to be confined by the traditional gender roles of her time. She became well educated, gaining political and governing know-how from her father, William X, duke of Aquitaine, and armed herself with the skills necessary to become an influential queen-first of France, and later, England. With an impact that reached beyond politics, Eleanor shaped the future of the arts and humanities. And in a time when women were viewed as inferior to men, the virtues of chivalry and courtly love were born. Once described by a contemporary as "a woman beyond compare," Eleanor of Aquitaine is a figure who will remain controversial, powerful, and enchanting in the twenty-first century.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Polly Schoyer Brooks lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she enjoys her four children, ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (October 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395981395
• ISBN-13: 978-0395981399
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Medieval
  • #88 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Europe

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Exceptional Overview, December 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World (Paperback)

"Queen Eleanor" is a well-written, entertaining account of the life of a queen whom I consider to be one of the most interesting and influential people who ever lived. Did you know that she was the mother of King Richard the Lionheart and Prince John Lackland ("the phony king of England"), both of Robin Hood fame? That her marriage with Henry Plantagenet (Henry II) first brought France under English rule? That she established the jury system in England? It's amazing, really.

The only complaints I would have of the book are that it's not as detailed as it could be (which I understand, because it's a children's book and not meant to give you every detail; for that, see "Eleanor and the Four Kings"); and that it over-sympathizes with Eleanor. I should rather say, glosses over her faults, because they *are* mentioned. But after reading this, you'll come away with the correct impression that Eleanor of Aquitaine was indeed a remarkable woman.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Basic Life Of Eleanor, September 28, 2002

By 

Richard R. Carlton (Ada, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World (Paperback)

Brooks copyrighted this herself in 1983 and, although there is no useful biographic information, I get the impression she wrote it for the k-12 school library market. The book feels like it is written for an 8th grade audience but with an admirable extent to the vocabulary and historical contexts. Brooks has done a good job on relating geography, medieval culture and art, and history in an enjoyable and informative read.

Perhaps I don't understand the prejudices of the school library market, but I do wish that books like this would do some referencing and citations of quoted material to give readers the concept of backing up what is said with authoritative research sources.

This is a good solid introductory book on Eleanor. It is comprehensive (unlike so many of the newer Eleanor books that focus on and tend to glamorize only one part of her life). It presents most of the known historical facts and mentions most of the commonly known myths as well (clearly presenting them as unfounded legend). This is a good place to start if you want an overview of Eleanor's life. It's a quick read for adults and a good comprehensive exploration of a medieval life for an elementary or high school student.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A quick, delightful read about a fascinating monarch, January 3, 2004

By 

Meghan (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World (Paperback)

I recently bought this book for a paper I had to do for school. I had read Polly Schoyer Brooks' book about Joan of Arc last year, and had enjoyed it, so I was hapy to find one on Eleanor of Aqutaine. This book was clear and easy to understand, but explained the fascinating life of Eleanor in detail. Each chapter highlighted a different section of her life, from her childhood in Aqutaine, to her marriages and rules as Queen of France and England, and finally to helping her sons rule as kings of England. I was amazed by her long life in the medieval times. This book is a treasure and one I would read again. I especially enjoyed the references to the King Arthur tales and how Eleanor influenced them as a model for Guinevere!