A King’s Ransom

by Sharon Kay Penman Book 5 in the Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine series.

First published 2014

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Europe, 1192–1199. Returning from the Third Crusade, Richard I is forced onto an overland route and captured by Leopold V of Austria. He is transferred to Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, who demands an enormous ransom while Philip II of France and Richard’s brother John offer political and financial incentives to keep him imprisoned.

Eleanor of Aquitaine directs the effort to raise the ransom and preserve her son’s realm. After his release, Richard restores his authority in England and resumes war against Philip in France. The story follows the personal and political effects of captivity through Richard’s final campaign and death at Châlus.

Historical Periods

Captivity and Ransom of Richard I1192–1194

Historical people

Eleanor of Aquitaine1124–1204 Richard I of England1157–1199 John, King of England1166–1216 Philip II of France1165–1223 Leopold V, Duke of Austria1157–1194 Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor1165–1197