Reads like a novel - my favorite kind of non-fiction. Four women from one family rise to be the most powerful women of their times. ( )

In 13th century Europe, women were primarily seen as pawns, almost property that would bring riches or glory to their family by how they married; sons were prized over daughters as heirs to the family land or fortune. Into this climate, the Count and Countess of Provence delivered four daughters and no sons. Yes, they were probably very disappointed at the outset, but their four daughters ended up changing the history of Europe.

Each of the Count’s daughters ended their lives as European Queens. The oldest, Marguerite was married to French King Louis IX and the second oldest, Eleanor, married the English King, Henry III. Both of these kings had ambitious younger brothers, each of whom married another one of the sisters and won a kingdom, at least partially because of his wife’s family connections: England’s Richard of Cornwall married the third daughter, Sanchia, and got himself crowned Holy Roman Empire and France’s Charles of Anjou married the youngest daughter, Beatrice, and conquered Sicily.

Certainly the family of these women, particularly their maternal uncles, influenced their husbands and the policy in their kingdoms to varying degrees. What was slightly less convincing was how the women themselves influenced their kingdoms. Eleanor was certainly a strong queen who influenced her husband but some of the others, Sanchia in particular, seem to be more notable because of their family connections.

Goldstone did not use many citations - although she did often quote primary sources - so I’m not entirely sure how good her history is, since this is not a period I’ve ever studied. Whatever her biases may be, however, I am reasonably certain that she has her basic facts and timelines down. She writes a very readable narrative history book and it is fascinating to see how women could work within the context of their societal roles, even in the 13th century, to shape the fate of a continent. ( )

Maybe it was listening to this, instead of reading, but I was bored. I got to disc 7 (of 9) and gave up. I found myself being somewhat skeptical as I listened to descriptions of what great marriage/partnerships some of the sisters had. I wanted to know what sources, exactly, had suggested that - particularly since this is history from the 13th century. Of course, reading the book might have given me access to those notes. I got tired of hearing what new intrigues were embarked upon so this very small group of people could gain themselves titles and influence. ( )

This is a good book that portrays the history of Europe in the 1200's, showing the relationship of King Henry III of England and Louis IX of France as well as the major development of Europe through Richard of Cornwall and Charles of Anjou. The queens of these four were sisters, daughters of Ramond Berenger V of Provence. They each played major roles in the development and foundation of laws and government to come.

I enjoyed the unfolding of history through the complexities of these families, It was enlightening to learn how great the role the queen plays can be and how much power and courage she needed. On the flipside, I enjoyed reading this as a family document, seeing each person as a seperate character with a distinct personality. The timeframe covers the better part of the 13th century, beginning after the reign of King John and just hinting at the impending rule of Edward I, John's grandson. There are many names that
are familiar that round things out well......King John and his Queen Isabella, Simon de Montfort, Hugh de Lusignan, Pope Urban IV, Frederick II, Gilbert De Clare. It is exciting to see how they all involve together.

The book does well to fill in this part of European, especially French and English, history. Dates and Names are repeated often so the reader doesn't become confused. Events are overlapped with skill making it easy to not lose your place in what is happening at what point in time. I was never confused with the chronology. It was an easy read and learning of these women and the office of being Queen was rewarding. I recommend this to anyone interested in Plantagenet or Middle Ages history. ( )

This is book from my favorite period of history looking at that history from a women's perspective. The author does a good job of explaining the politics and intrigue of the period. She keeps the history clean and accessible to those not familiar with the period. I am not sure she does as good a job making her case that these four women influenced history as much as the book purports. ( )