The Plantagenet Prelude begins with Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine as their marriage creates an Angevin realm stretching from England deep into France. Their partnership is powerful but volatile, and the ambitions of their sons gradually turn family rivalry into rebellion. Plaidy follows the making of the Plantagenet dynasty through court politics, war and personal betrayal, setting the foundations for the conflicts that will dominate the later saga.
The marriage creates political power on an exceptional scale but also builds future conflict into the dynasty. Eleanor brings Aquitaine, Henry claims England and their sons eventually expect territories and authority of their own. The novel follows the early success of the partnership while showing how the same inheritance that strengthens the Angevin realm will later divide the royal family.
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