henry ii, 1154-1189

A biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, discussing her early years in twelfth-century Europe, her marriages to France's King Louis VII and England's Henry II, her unprecedented political power, and other aspects of her life.

Eleanor lived in a time when a woman's value was measured by her rank and the number of sons she bore. Eleanor excelled at both---she married two kings and bore ten children--and more. She was the intelligent heiress to the vast Duchy of Aquitaine. Her leadership inspired the loyalty of her people but she was continually doubted and silenced by the men who ruled beside her. But through it all she remained stubborn, high-spirited, and firm in her beliefs.

Presents a biography of the twelfth-century archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and the power struggle between the church and state under King Henry II of England and chronicles his early life, the historical background of the king, and Becket's defiance of the king and subsequent martyrdom.

Chronicles the life of twelfth-century English queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, covering such topics as her marriages and her rule in the place of Richard the Lionheart.

Discusses the events surrounding the murder of Thomas ? Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the living conditions in England during the reign of Henry II.

A biography of the woman who inherited one-quarter of modern day France at age fifteen, became queen of France and later queen of England, as well as the mother of Richard Coeur de Lion.

Portrays the conflict of loyalties to church and state as they influenced the lives of two powerful men in English history.

Chronicles the life of twelfth-century queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, discussing her childhood in France, her marriages to kings of France and England, her rebellion against Henry II and subsequent imprisonment, and the reigns of her sons Richard and John.

Presents a short biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who along with her husband Henry II crafted the Angevin Empire during the twelfth century, and describes her life as Queen of France before marrying Henry, life in Medieval England, and more.

Examines the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, describes the culture and philosophy of the twelfth century, discusses the emergence of troubadour culture, and summarizes two literary works of the period.