Eleanor of Aquitaine

by Elizabeth Chadwick 3 books in this series

Elizabeth Chadwick’s Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy follows one of medieval Europe’s most formidable rulers from her inheritance of Aquitaine and first marriage to Louis VII of France through her turbulent partnership with Henry II of England. The novels place Eleanor’s marriages, motherhood and political ambitions within crusade, dynastic rivalry and the creation of the Angevin Empire.

Across The Summer Queen, The Winter Crown and The Autumn Throne, Eleanor develops from a teenage duchess into a queen, rebel, prisoner and influential royal matriarch. The sequence balances intimate family conflict with court politics, following her efforts to protect her inheritance and children while kings, princes and clerics compete for power.

Reading order

Books in this series (3 books)

1. The Summer Queen

Elizabeth Chadwick

4.2(18,881)

In 1137, the death of her father makes thirteen-year-old Eleanor duchess of Aquitaine and one of Europe’s greatest heiresses. Marriage to the future Louis VII takes her into a French court divided by faction and piety, while queenship and the Second Crusade expose her to diplomacy,…

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2. The Winter Crown

Elizabeth Chadwick

4.3(11,515)

In 1154, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II are crowned as rulers of England, controlling an extensive collection of territories on both sides of the Channel. Eleanor governs, travels and bears their children, but Henry increasingly treats her lands and authority as instruments of his own…

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3. The Autumn Throne

Elizabeth Chadwick

4.5(11,282)

Imprisoned after supporting her sons’ rebellion against Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine refuses to relinquish her identity as queen and duchess. Henry’s death restores her freedom in 1189, and she immediately works to secure Richard’s succession and maintain order while he prepares for crusade. Eleanor crosses…

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