For fans of Alison Weir and Antonia Fraser;acclaimed author Nancy Goldstone’s thrilling history of the royal daughters who succeeded in ruling—and shaping—thirteenth-century Europe Set against the backdrop of the thirteenth century; a time of chivalry and crusades; troubadors; knights and monarchs; Four Queens is the story of four provocative sisters—Marguerite; Eleanor; Sanchia; and Beatrice of Provence—who rose from near obscurity to become the most coveted and powerful women in Europe. Each sister in this extraordinary family was beautiful; cultured; and accomplished but what made these women so remarkable was that each became queen of a principal European power—France; England; Germany and Sicily. During their reigns; they exercised considerable political authority; raised armies; intervened diplomatically and helped redraw the map of Europe. Theirs is a drama of courage; sagacity and ambition that re-examines the concept of leadership in the Middle Ages.
#1117598 in Books 2007-04-24 2007-04-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x 1.20 x 5.50l; 1.10 #File Name: 0143111981560 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must HaveBy Jefferey HunterPerfect condition!! This book is a must have for every young person; especially since many states in the southern US are removing slavery from the history books.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. My favorite African American history book ever.By AnnyThis is my favorite African American history book. It does not exclude or ignore the implications of facts in history as some others do. It's beautiful written. Recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. There are lengthy sections on better known figures such as WEB DuboisBy Paul MaginleyCampbell points out in a bibliographic essay at the back of the book that he had originally intended to write about African American travel writers on the subject of Africa; but changed course as his research and writing proceeded. The end product turns out to be a very interesting work on African Americans whose personal histories became interwoven with the continent of their ancestors. He starts with Paul Cuffe; and along the way we are introduced to many under known figures such as Daniel Coker; Martin Delany; Henry Turner; and William Henry Sheppard. There are lengthy sections on better known figures such as WEB Dubois; Langston Hughes; Richard Wright; George Schuyler and Maya Angelou. The first third of the book goes a bit slow as history overtrumps storytelling; but the two become marvelously converged as we get to William Henry Sheppard and continues to the book's terminus. We get a fair dose of African history along the way; and this enhances our journey. The author is scrupulously fair when dealing with Africa's controversies and contradictions. While some African Americans are horrified by scenes of chaos and murders and corruption; others see the beauty and grace; and promise of the continent. This book rates highly for the subject covered; and it rates highly for the quality of writing. Mr. Campbell is an educated man; and he writes extremely well. An earlier reviewer bewails his use of "ten dollar words;" which is mystifying. Why would we want a book directed to a fifth grade readership? Perhaps that reviewer would best benefit getting his history from television. The writing is outstanding; and the topic is interesting. Five stars.
