This article originally appeared in British Weekly.

Eleanor of Aquitaine…Scandalous Queen of Love by Gabrielle Pantera 3 stars *** SANTA MONICA, CA (British Weekly) 12/05/07 - Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Can you imagine the scandal today if Hilary Clinton left Bill Clinton, married George W. Bush, and had his child five months later? That’s the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Eleanor leaves her husband King Louis VII of France and marries rival Henry, future king of England (Henry Plantagenet). Five months later, in 1157, she gives birth to a son, William.

In Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of the Troubadours, author Jean Markale tells succinctly the life of Eleanor, her marriages to two kings and her great love of her eight children, especially her favorite Richard. First published in French in 1997 and 2000, Markale’s book is now available English. The book does a fantastic job of telling Eleanor’s story as history, but is not a novel. The introduction and ending are too dry, but don’t miss the middle or the notes that coincide with the main chapters of the book.

The title of the book, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of the Troubadours, requires explanation. A troubadour is a composer-singer. The earliest troubadour whose work survives is William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, Eleanor’s grandfather. He was even nicknamed The Troubadour. Aquitaine is a rich region that’s now part of France, bordering Spain on the Atlantic coast and including The Côte d'Argent. Eleanor, the richest heiress in Europe and granddaughter of what would be today a prince rock star The Troubadour, marries her guardian’s son, prince Louis. In terms of fame, Eleanor is like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Princess Diana all rolled into one. But that’s just the beginning.

With husband King Louis VII, Eleanor marches with the vanguard in the Second Crusade for Jerusalem. After a terrible defeat, separated, and both given up for dead at sea, they return to France estranged. Despite having two daughters together, and over the interference of the Pope, their marriage is eventually annulled. On her way home, two lords each try to kidnap Eleanor to marry her and claim her land. She sends for Henry to come at once to marry her.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the richest and most powerful women in history. Her sons Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland are remembered today in the story of Robin Hood.

Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen of the Troubadours, Paperback 272 pages. Publisher: Inner Traditions (October 23, 2007). Language: English. ISBN-13: 978-1594771958 $16.95