So it's looking like 2010 is the year for Eleanor of Aquitaine! However, being such a huge fan of hers, I don't mind a bit!
I'm not certain if this is a non-fiction or historical fiction novel and if anyone knows and can clarify that would be great! I definitely prefer Weir's non-fiction work to her HF novels, but I'll be reading this regardless.
UK Release Date: April 1, 2010
US Release Date: July 20, 2010
It is the year 1152 and a beautiful woman of thirty, attended by only a small armed escort, is riding like the wind southwards through what is now France, leaving behind her crown, her two young daughters and a shattered marriage to Louis of France, who had been more like a monk than a king, and certainly not much of a lover. This woman is Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, and her sole purpose now is to return to her vast duchy and marry the man she loves, Henry Plantagenet, a man destined for greatness as King of England. Theirs is a union founded on lust which will create a great empire stretching from the wilds of Scotland to the Pyrenees. It will also create the devil's brood of Plantagenets - including Richard C ur de Lion and King John - and the most notoriously vicious marriage in history. "The Eagle and the Lion" is a novel on the grand scale, an epic subject for Alison Weir. It tells of the making of nations, and of passionate conflicts: between Henry II and Thomas Becket, his closest friend who is murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on his orders; between Eleanor and Henry's formidable mother Matilda; between father and sons, as Henry's children take up arms against him; and finally between Henry and Eleanor herself.
Pre-order: PTTP's Amazon US Store | PTTP's Amazon UK Store
I'm pretty sure it's fiction, as I'd already heard about it somewhere (can't remember where though ...). Weir has already done non-fic on Eleanor and I doubt there's really more to cover. Plus, the description and cover say it's a novel. =)
ReplyDeleteI'll probably be reading it too!
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of my favorite queens, and I love books about her. I'm sure I'll read this one, whether or not it's fiction!
ReplyDeleteYes! It is fiction - http://alisonweir.org.uk/next/index.asp
ReplyDeleteI haven't read her non-fiction yet (although I have a few) but I really like her historical fiction. I just wish I didn't have to wait for paperback, I hate carrying around hardcover.
-Alexandra
Oh, I can't wait for this one!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the cover lovely!?! I love the dress and its intense blueish color! HF or NF??? Hopefully someone can tell us but for sure I will get my hands on it =)
ReplyDeleteFrom the description I read on Amazon, I do believe it's fiction. I much prefer her non-fiction, but will still be reading this one!
ReplyDeleteAs Meaghan mentioned, the subtitle includes the words "a novel," so I'm going with fiction.
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing! I can't wait to read it :)
ReplyDeleteVanessa
She was an amazing woman for her time. She would be an amazing woman now....
ReplyDeleteI love Ms. Weir's books.
Based on the title, and the fact that she's already written nf about Eleanor, I think it's fiction. I noticed that there's a pattern to her work in that way. You are so lucky to get this!
ReplyDeleteAccording to the pub info on amazon, it's fiction.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one! I loved Alison Weir's biography of Eleanor. This one is going to be juicy!
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