Best biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine?

Meade or Markale.

Both twist history probably due to guesses, conjecture, and interpolation.

"A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver" is an enjoyable twist on Eleanor's story. Since it was intended for the "young adult" market, it is a fast read. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could try "Eleanor of Acquitane and the Four Kings." For Eleanor in her Medicare years, have you watched "The Lion in Winter?"

I liked Alison Weir's book. I bought it at the Fontevraud Abbey.

Thanks! This is a gift for someone who is very much into history. I have a copy of Amy Kelly's original "Eleanor of Aquataine" ( 1950 edition) which I confess Inhave not yet read. I wanted to see what else is recommended. Is Kelly's " Eleanor of Aquataine and the Four Kings" a re-issue of the 1950 book, or did she re-write it?

I read reviews on Amazon of all four books recommended (Meade, Marlkale, Weir and Kelly) and all have four stars ( Kelly's book gets part of a fifth star). Meade's sounds interesting, almost gossipy ( like her book on Jazz Age women). Markale sounds a bit mystical. The editors' review of his book contains this:

"A comprehensive view of the mythical and historic significance of the great medieval queen

• Explains that courtly love was not a platonic and intellectual affectation but an initiatic process of male transcendence akin to Tantra

• Shows that Eleanor’s embodiment of divine power undermined the pattern of patriarchy

• Reveals how Eleanor inspired the powerful influence of the Arthurian cycle’s figures

. . . .

"But her greatest influence, still shaping modern sensibilities, was her role as the symbol of courtly love, which was not a mere diversion of the aristocracy but a process of male initiation and transcendence that bore a close resemblance to Indian Tantra. While the Virgin Mary was restoring a feminine face to medieval religious life, Eleanor embodied the adulterous queen who incarnates sovereignty--the woman who shares authority with the men who act in her name, but only after that power has been transmitted to them through an initiatory process leading to sexual union."

Hmmmm. Tantra??? That's a Frenchman for you.

I may order 3 of the 4 and gift them as a trilogy! That would be Kelly, Markale, and either Weir or Meade. Alison Weir has written a LOT of books, mainly on the British monarchy. Are her research and writing historically sound?

Sasha,

Besides "A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Minivar" which is by the same author as "From the Missed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler" two that might be interesting are biographical novels by Norah Lofts: "Eleanor the Queen" is her story from her viewpoint; "The Lute Player" is the story of the wife of Richard the Lionhearted from the viewpoint of several people including the lute player for this wife. Since Eleanor was influenced by this people and influenced them to some extent (she was also Richard's regent while he went on the crusades) I think it might also interest someone who wants to read about her.

Happy Reading!

Her grandfather, William the 9th, is considered by many as the father of the troubadors. He was quite the character!