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Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and Her Successors
- Narrated by: Esther Wane
- Length: 17 hrs and 42 mins
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Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and Her Successors
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Summary
The Plantagenet queens of England played a role in some of the most dramatic events in our history. Crusading queens, queens in rebellion against their king, queen seductresses, learned queens, queens in battle, queens who enlivened England with the romantic culture of Southern Europe - these determined women often broke through medieval constraints to exercise power and influence, for good and sometimes for ill.
Alison Weir’s ground-breaking history of the queens of medieval England now moves into a period of even higher drama, from 1154 to 1291: years of chivalry, dynastic ambition, conflict with the church, baronial wars and the all-pervading bonds of feudalism. We see events such as the murder of Becket, the Magna Carta and the birth of parliaments from a new perspective. Her narrative begins with the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose marriage to Henry II establishes a dynasty which rules for more than 300 years and creates the most powerful empire in Western Christendom - but also sows the seeds for some of the most destructive family conflicts in history and for the collapse, under her son King John, of England’s power in Europe. The lives of Eleanor’s successors were just as remarkable: Berengaria of Navarre, queen of Richard the Lionheart, Isabella of Angoulême, queen of John, and Alienor of Provence, queen of Henry III, and finally Eleanor of Castile, the grasping but beloved wife of Edward I.
Through the story of these first five Plantagenet queens, Alison Weir provides an enthralling new perspective on a dramatic period of high romance and sometimes low politics, with determined women at its heart.
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What listeners say about Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and Her Successors
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Bkane
- 23-06-22
excellent subject
such avivid account of a turbulent time and a lasting legacy for women's sufferance
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- FijiBrian
- 15-08-22
Narrator spoiled an inspired history.
A wonderfully researched period of our nation''s colourful history and its forthright Queens BUT ruined for me.by so many facts being delivered in a harsh, flat, staccato voice and awful french accent.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lauren of Normandy
- 29-04-22
Hard to listen for too long
I love the book but it's taking a long time to listen, as the narrator has a very hard voice. She modulates very well but the tone is so hard and clipped that after a while I just have to stop the book and go to another with a more relaxing voice. Excellent content though
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Helen
- 10-03-23
Eleanor and others
This was a book that needed concentration, but the period of history covered is so rich I kept re listening to gain the best from this book. Sharing all the dates for various events offered a chronological framework for the chapters but also interrupted the story flow - if you are a history buff, well worth persevering with.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Celia
- 22-09-23
An interesting history, poorly narrated
I really enjoy Alison Weir’s historical writings and this book is extremely comprehensive. History so often focuses on monarchs and their reigns, neglecting the role that the consort might have played so I was keen to learn about Berengaria of Navarre and her successors. However, the book was spoiled for me by the flat, monotonous, expressionless delivery which made it difficult to listen to and very hard to enjoy. I will be avoiding any audiobooks read by this narrator in future.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Iain
- 18-12-21
fascinating listen
this was a fascinating listed, I've always know that there have been powerful women throughout history but this was enlightening as to how pivotal a role the 3 Eleanor's play in English history.
the only downside to this book was that something it was a case of king (insert name) did a thing and Elanor was there. that is only a small portion however and the rest of it is truly eye opening
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- grannie
- 23-07-21
Eleanor of aquitaine
Was really looking forward to this book but I find 5he narration difficult to hear. Really disappointed and feel am missing out on a good tale. Don't buy this
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9 people found this helpful