Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124-1204), queen of France and England and mother of two kings, has often been described as one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages. Yet her real achievements have been embellished–and even obscured–by myths that have grown up over eight centuries. This process began in her own lifetime, as chroniclers reported rumours of her scandalous conduct on crusade, and has continued ever since. She has been variously viewed as an adulterous queen, a monstrous mother and a jealous murderess, but also as a patron of literature, champion of courtly love and proto-feminist defender of women’s rights. Inventing Eleanor interrogates the myths that have grown up around the figure of Eleanor of Aquitaine and investigates how and why historians and artists have invented an Eleanor who is very different from the 12th-century queen. The book first considers the medieval primary sources and then proceeds to trace the post-medieval development of the image of Eleanor, from demonic queen to feminist icon, in historiography and the broader culture. – From Amazon
Eleanor of Aquitaine is perhaps one of the best known female figures in history and throughout the ages, her image has been reshaped and redefined by historians and artists. Perhaps we will never know the real Eleanor, but most will remember the scheming Eleanor in “The Lion in Winter”, and if you don’t you need to go watch it now, despite its inaccuracies. Michael Evans attempts to uncover the real Eleanor from underneath all the myths and legends surrounding her, all the way to the present day. It’s fascinating to read how Eleanor’s reputation developed and changed over time and how she became a feminist heroin recently. The writing style is pleasant and the book is easy to read. I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for another angle on Eleanor of Aquitaine.
“Inventing Eleanor: The Medieval and Post-Medieval Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine” is available now in both the US and the UK.
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