Short description
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 13th century comes the story of the four beautiful daughters of the count of Provence, whose brilliant marriages made them the queens of France, England, Germany, and Sicily.
Long description
Four accomplished sisters who rose from near obscurity to become the most powerful women in Europe Set against the backdrop of the turbulent thirteenth century, a time of chivalry and crusades, poetry, knights, and monarchs comes the story of the four beautiful daughters of the count of Provence whose brilliant marriages made them the queens of France, England, Germany, and Sicily. From a cultured childhood in Provence, each sister was propelled into a world marked by shifting alliances, intrigue, and subterfuge. Marguerite, the eldest, whose resolution and spirit would be tested by the cold splendor of the Palais du Roi in Paris; Eleanor, whose soaring political aspirations would provoke her kingdom to civil war; Sanchia, the neglected wife of the richest man in England who bought himself the crown of Germany; and Beatrice, whose desire for sovereignty was so acute that she risked her life to earn her place at the royal table. A compulsively readable narrative, Four Queens shatters the myth that women were helpless pawns in a society that celebrated physical prowess and masculine intellect. A riveting historical saga for fans of Alison Weir and Antonia Fraser.
Review
aA wonderful book about four remarkable women . . . An utterly compelling read.a
aAlison Weir, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine
aA densely woven narrative of sibling rivalry, simmering resentments, and thwarted ambitions. . . . Times change but not, it seems, sisterly love.a
aDr. Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
aRemarkable . . . told with all the verve and aplomb and richness of detail that four such extraordinary women deserve.a
aRoss King, author of Brunelleschias Dome
aGoldstone weaves a vivid tapestry worthy of her subjects.a
a Entertainment Weekly
aOn Goldstoneas rich, beautifully woven tapestry, medieval Europe springs to vivid life. . . . This is a fresh, eminently enjoyable history that gives women their due as movers and shakers in tumultuous times.a
a Publishers Weekly (starred review)