Grade 6-10AQueens, when they are ruling monarchs, are second choices. They come to power because of the death or absence of kings, and must prove themselves capable of political leadership. A few of the 10 chosen by Meltzer ruled with independence and skill, notably Cleopatra, Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great. Boudicca of Britain and Zenobia of Palmyra were warrior queens. Others, like the biblical Esther, lived in times of crisis and made choices that changed history. Eleanor of Aquitaine was a matriarch as well as a monarch, and Christina of Sweden was neither, refusing to marry and abdicating power to live grandly. Of necessity, much of the description deals with men, the kings who came before and after, the advisers, the generals, the plotters, and supporters who peopled their realms. While occasional comments suggest the conflicts that these women must have faced because of their sex, Meltzer writes traditional political history. He has a storyteller's flair and an eye for the small details and anecdotes that bring these queens to life. An added note explains the difficulties researchers face in sifting legend from fact and in weighing historical evidence. Colorful expressionistic paintings, boldly stroked onto unframed panels, enrich the pages. Decorative touches of flowers and jewels on the vibrant portraits celebrate the women's wealth and femininity. While the sources of the quotations that are woven into the accounts are not identified, there is a bibliography of standard histories consulted. Maps and an index add to the usefulness of the book for reports, and the well-spaced lines of text make the pages inviting to read. This book will grace the history shelves and provide pleasure to its readers.AShirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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