Table of Contents

Introduction: History and Its Heroes

1 Twice a Queen

2 Eleanor’s Strange “Divorce”

3 Queen of the Troubadours

4 The Legend of Eleanor

5 From Guinevere to Melusine

Notes

Selected Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Jean Markale (1928-2008), was a poet, philosopher, historian, and storyteller, who spent a lifetime researching pre-Christian and medieval culture and spirituality. He was a former specialist in Celtic studies at the Sorbonne and author of more than 40 books, including Montségur and the Mystery of the Cathars, The Church of Mary Magdalene, The Druids, The Celts, Merlin, and Women of the Celts.

Reviews

“In a work of masterly scholarship, Jean Markale presents a fascinating portrait of a woman: history and myth intermingle as Eleanor, queen of France and England, is revealed as the embodiment of Guinevere and queen of the troubadours at her court of love.”
*Jill Line, author of Shakespeare and the Ideal of Love*

"Collections strong in medieval studies, both at the high school and college level, will find this a different kind of biographical coverage which examines the spiritual representation of Eleanor of Aquitaine."
*The Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review, Feb 2008*

"This absorbing book charts the historical image of the medieval queen to the mythological and never does it bore. Indeed, a wonderful take on the ascent of feminism told through the quill of a true storyteller."
*Payal Patel, Feminist Review, Jan 2008*

" . . . for women who have sought a true queen who puts our childhood Disney princesses to shame, Eleanor is that queen."
*Smokey Trudeau, Sage Woman, No. 74, May 2008*

"I must admit that though I love history it often leaves me in the dust because so many timelines overlap. Jean Markale's biography of the 'Queen of the Troubadours' is concise and orderly, and illuminates an incredible figure in history. By mixing historical fact with theory, questioning some unclear points and offering his own speculation (and making it clear that it is speculation) Markale manages to keep the reader engaged, on track, and encourages readers to philosophize on presented theories if so inclined."
*Nicole S. Kapise, The Pagan Review, May 2008*