In this book summary, we explore the captivating world of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most influential women of her time, as portrayed by the talented author Kristiana Gregory. The book is set in 1136 France, and it offers readers a vivid historical account of Eleanor’s life, from her early years to her lasting legacy.
Throughout the book, Gregory skillfully weaves together historical facts with fictional elements, creating an engaging narrative that brings Eleanor’s story to life. As you read this book summary, you will embark on a journey through medieval France, where Knights, courtly romance, and political alliances are the norm. You will discover how Eleanor’s background, marriages, and imprisonment shaped her into the legendary figure that she is today.
Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for an entertaining book to read, Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine is a must-read. Join us as we take a closer look at this exciting book summary.
Introduction to Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful historical figure who ruled over Aquitaine, France, during the 12th century. Known for her sharp intellect, political acumen, and undeniable charm, Eleanor has long been a source of fascination for historians and literary scholars alike.
Eleanor’s story is one of struggle and triumph, as she fought to secure her place in a world dominated by men. Despite the obstacles she faced, Eleanor succeeded in wielding significant power and influence throughout her lifetime, leaving behind a lasting legacy that endures to this day.
As we explore Eleanor’s life and times in this book summary of Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine by Kristiana Gregory, we will gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable historical figure and the impact she had on Aquitaine, France, and the world beyond.
“She had guts. She had the courage of her convictions.” – Sharon Kay Penman, Devil’s Brood
The Setting: France in 1136
The setting of “Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine” is in France, specifically in 1136, during the medieval period. This was a time when knights and chivalry flourished, and courtly romance was at its peak.
France in 1136 was recovering from years of conflict and turmoil, including the Norman Conquest, the Crusades, and the ongoing struggle between the Church and State. Despite this, culture and art continued to thrive, as evidenced by the beautiful and intricate architecture of the time, such as the Chartres Cathedral and the Abbey Church of Sainte-Madeleine.
During the 12th century, France saw the rise of feudalism, a political and economic system that placed power in the hands of local lords and nobility. This system was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, with knights and vassals owing fealty to their lords, who in turn were sworn to their kings.
“France in 1136 was a complex and dynamic society, with a rich cultural heritage that still influences our modern world today.”
Eleanor’s Early Life and Background
Eleanor of Aquitaine, born in 1122, was the daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine. Her inheritance of Aquitaine made her one of the wealthiest heiresses in Europe, and her royal lineage traced back to William the Conqueror. Eleanor’s early life was tumultuous, with her father’s sudden death when she was just fifteen years old.
Despite this, Eleanor’s position as Duchess of Aquitaine empowered her and prepared her for her eventual role as Queen of France and later, Queen of England. As a young woman, Eleanor was known for her intelligence, education, and love of the arts. She was also renowned for her beauty and became a subject of numerous troubadours’ songs and poems.
“Born to command, raised to rule, she grew to be a woman of extraordinary beauty, charm, and intelligence. Through her mother, she was related to the royal Plantagenet dynasty of England.”
Source: Gregory, Kristiana. Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine, France, 1136.
Eleanor’s Marriage to Louis VII of France
When Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII of France in 1137, it was not a love match but a political alliance. At the time, Eleanor was one of the most eligible heiresses in Europe, and marrying her would grant Louis control over the wealthy and strategically important Aquitaine region.
The marriage, while strategically advantageous, was not a happy one. Eleanor was fiercely independent and headstrong, while Louis was pious and reserved. Despite their differences, the couple had two daughters together before the marriage was annulled in 1152.
The annulment had significant consequences for Eleanor, who was stripped of her power and wealth. She was later exiled to England, where she would remarry and go on to become queen once again.
“Her marriage to Louis, which had at first appeared so successful, was obviously doomed to failure, for it had been constructed on foundations of mutual misunderstanding and dislike.” – Alison Weir, historian
Eleanor’s Influence as Queen Consort
As queen consort, Eleanor of Aquitaine wielded substantial influence in the kingdom, becoming an enduring symbol of power and grace during her time. Her impact was felt in various aspects of cultural patronage, including the arts and literature.
Eleanor was renowned for her extensive network of alliances and her role as a mediator between different factions of the court. She also took an active interest in the welfare of the kingdom’s populace, using her influence to mitigate the impact of war and other disruptions.
One of her most significant accomplishments as queen consort was her support for poets, scholars, and other cultural figures. Under her tutelage, the kingdom flourished with new ideas, inspiring a cultural renaissance that saw the development of new forms of literature and music.
Eleanor’s Cultural Patronage
Eleanor’s cultural patronage extended to various forms of literature and the arts. She was an avid patron of troubadours, the poet-musicians who composed and performed songs celebrating chivalrous values. This helped to popularize the concept of courtly love, which became a dominant theme in medieval literature.
Moreover, Eleanor’s patronage extended to the construction of several monumental architectural marvels, including the cathedral at Poitiers and the court at Poitou. She also sponsored various artistic endeavors, further cementing her reputation as a formidable cultural patron.
Eleanor’s Impact on the Kingdom
Eleanor’s impact on the kingdom went beyond cultural patronage and extended to various aspects of governance and court politics. As queen consort, she was able to broker alliances and serve as a mediator between different factions, thus contributing to the kingdom’s stability.
Moreover, Eleanor played a key role in promoting the welfare of the populace, using her influence to mitigate the effects of war and other conflicts. She was also known for her extensive network of alliances, which helped to further strengthen the kingdom’s position in the region.
“The court of Eleanor was a place of extraordinary creativity and intellectual ferment, attracting some of the most talented artists and writers of the era.” -Kristiana Gregory
Troubled Times: Eleanor’s Divorce and Remarriage
Despite being Queen of France, Eleanor of Aquitaine’s marriage to King Louis VII was not a happy one. After enduring several years of political strife and personal anguish, the couple filed for annulment in 1152, making Eleanor free to marry again.
Shortly thereafter, Eleanor married Henry II of England. The union was controversial, as Henry was already seeing another woman, but despite this, Eleanor and Henry went on to have a relatively happy and fruitful marriage, producing several children who would go on to become important figures in English history.
Despite their initial happiness, however, Eleanor and Henry’s marriage was not without its problems. Over the years, the couple faced a number of challenges, including infidelity and rebellion from their own children, leading to periods of separation and imprisonment for Eleanor.
“Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life was full of challenges, but she never lost her strength and determination.”
Through it all, however, Eleanor remained a force to be reckoned with, having a lasting impact on the politics and culture of medieval England.
Eleanor’s Role as Queen of England
Eleanor’s marriage to Henry II, an ambitious nobleman, marked her influential role as the queen consort, effectively enhancing her power and placing her at the forefront of the English court. As the longest-serving queen consort in English history, Eleanor played a significant part in shaping the Plantagenet dynasty, particularly in her later years when she provided counsel to her sons, including Richard the Lionheart and King John.
| Accomplishments | Influence on the Angevin Empire |
|---|---|
| Eleanor established the court of love, a key patronage of arts and culture, exemplifying a rare public role for women in the medieval period. | Her extensive territories throughout Europe strengthened her husband’s grip on power. Her influence extended to England’s political, social, and cultural landscape, where she played a crucial role in court life and patronage. |
| Eleanor spearheaded the construction of Fontevraud Abbey, one of the grandest architectural marvels of the Middle Ages. | Eleanor’s presence in England helped bridge the divide between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons, enhancing the cultural landscape and creating stability within the Angevin Empire. |
Eleanor’s Influence on Women in Power
Eleanor’s role as a woman in power was not without its challenges. Her divorce from Louis VII and her imprisonment by her husband, Henry II, were significant setbacks. However, her lasting legacy as a powerful queen, cultural patron, and a mother to various monarchs, inspired women in power across generations. Eleanor of Aquitaine remained a towering figure of the Middle Ages, encouraging women to assert their power and recognize their worth in a male-dominated society.
Eleanor’s Imprisonment and Later Years
Despite her influential role as queen consort and later queen mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine faced her fair share of challenges, including imprisonment. As a result of her involvement in her sons’ failed revolt against King Henry II of England in 1172, Eleanor suffered imprisonment for nearly sixteen years. During her captivity, she was held at various locations, including Salisbury Castle and Old Sarum, but it was at Winchester Castle where she spent the majority of her time.
Despite the harsh conditions of her imprisonment, Eleanor remained a determined and resilient woman, actively participating in the management of her lands and estates and even negotiating on behalf of her sons. It was not until her husband’s death in 1189 and her son Richard the Lionheart’s ascendancy to the English throne that Eleanor was finally released from captivity.
During her later years, Eleanor continued to play an influential role in English politics, serving as regent for her son King Richard while he was on a crusade and later supporting her son King John. She also continued to bear children, including her daughter Joan who would go on to marry King William II of Sicily.
“In my imprisonment, I had time to think—time to wonder where I’d failed, where I’d been let down, who I might still trust. I have no patience for pity; mea culpa belongs to me, but lessons learned, I’ll not forget. I’ll take with me to my death that at least.”
–Kristiana Gregory, Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine
Eleanor’s Legacy and Impact on History
Eleanor of Aquitaine left behind a lasting legacy that has continued to impact history centuries after her death. As one of the most influential women of her time, Eleanor’s historical significance cannot be understated.
Throughout her life, Eleanor challenged the societal norms of medieval Europe, using her power and influence to shape the political landscape of both France and England. As queen consort, she played a pivotal role in cultural patronage, supporting the arts and helping to build a legacy of intellectual and artistic achievement.
Eleanor’s influence extended far beyond the confines of the court. As a mother to various monarchs, including Richard the Lionheart and King John, she helped to shape the future of Europe through her offspring. Her contributions were not limited to politics, however, as her impact on literature, music, and architecture can still be felt today.
“Eleanor of Aquitaine is the epitome of an impactful and influential woman. Her legacy has only grown with time, and her contribution to European history will never be forgotten.”
The lasting impact of Eleanor’s life and work can be seen in the countless women who have followed in her footsteps, breaking boundaries and achieving greatness in their respective fields. Eleanor’s influence paved the way for future generations of women to challenge the status quo and make their own mark on history.
Eleanor’s Influence on Literature and Culture
Eleanor was a cultural patron who supported the arts and humanities throughout her life. She sponsored many artists, writers, and musicians, playing a significant role in the literary and cultural development of medieval Europe.
Through her own literary works and the encouragement of other writers, Eleanor helped to usher in a new era of literature and culture, paving the way for the Renaissance in later centuries.
| Works Cited | Eleanor’s Contributions |
|---|---|
| The Art of Courtly Love – Andreas Capellanus | Eleanor’s patronage of courtly love literature helped to establish the genre in medieval Europe. |
| The Writings of Chrétien de Troyes | Eleanor’s patronage of Chrétien de Troyes helped to establish Arthurian romance as a central literary genre of the High Middle Ages. |
| The Poems of Marie de France | Eleanor’s patronage of Marie de France contributed to the development of the poetic genre known as the lai. |
Eleanor’s influence on literature and culture can still be felt today, and her legacy as a cultural patron endures as a testament to her enduring impact on history.
Conclusion
As we explored the captivating world of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1136 France, as portrayed by the talented author Kristiana Gregory, we gained insight into the life and times of this significant historical figure. Through her marriages, political alliances, cultural patronage, and imprisonment, Eleanor’s impact on history as one of the most influential women of her time is undeniable. Her lasting legacy continues to inspire and educate, and this book summary of Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of medieval France and the powerful women who shaped it.
FAQ
What is "Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine" about?
“Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine” is a book that explores the captivating world of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1136 France, as portrayed by the talented author Kristiana Gregory.
Who is Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Eleanor of Aquitaine is a significant historical figure known for her influence and power in Aquitaine, France.
When does the book take place?
The book is set in 1136 France, providing readers with a glimpse into the historical context of medieval France.
What is the focus of the book on Eleanor’s early life and background?
The book delves into Eleanor’s early life, including her upbringing, inheritance of Aquitaine, and her royal lineage.
Who was Eleanor married to?
Eleanor was first married to Louis VII of France, a strategic and politically-motivated union.
What influence did Eleanor have as queen consort?
Eleanor had a significant influence as queen consort, showcasing her cultural patronage, alliances, and impact on the kingdom.
What troubled times did Eleanor experience?
Eleanor faced troubled times, including her divorce from Louis VII and subsequent remarriage to Henry II of England.
What was Eleanor’s role as queen of England?
Eleanor played a pivotal role as queen of England, contributing to the Plantagenet dynasty and leaving her mark on the Angevin Empire.
Did Eleanor experience imprisonment?
Yes, Eleanor faced imprisonment during her lifetime, which is explored in the book.
What is Eleanor’s lasting legacy?
Eleanor of Aquitaine left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential women of her time, making a significant impact on history.
