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Title: Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe
ISBN: 0670038431
Author:
Nancy Goldstone
Publicate Date: 2007-04-19
Publish: 2007-04-19
List Price: $24.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Hardcover
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $6.47
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $4.41
Amazon Merchant Price: $14.09
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Sloppy
The beginning of this book is engagingly written, but, as it goes on, it becomes a grind to read. By the middle of the book, the engaging, personal style is left behind; it's replaced by a dull recitation of events with scattered speculation thrown in. Yawn.
Others have commented on the factual errors in the book, so I'll just mention that the author's comments on her research methodology explain how she made such errors. She says, for example, that she relies on Giovanni Villani's chronicle--despite its late date--because Dante had used it and "what was good enough for Dante was good enough for me." Oh, okay. Apparently, Ms. Goldstone doesn't understand the nature of Dante's work. I also found myself wondering what in the world were her sources for events in Germany because she didn't seem to have any grasp at all on medieval German culture. She doesn't mention what her sources for Germany were.
Generally, popular history is fun to read. Not this one. It's dull, inaccurate, and written like a book report. That's too bad, because the subjects are fascinating.
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2: Devil in Some Details
Although I have read less than 100 pages of this book, and initially was quite pleased with the subject matter covered, some inaccurate details have lead me to agree with the more critical reviews.
Specifically, the geographical errors are blatant. The most obvious one is on page 83 where Ascalon is described as being "about 30 miles east of Jerusalem", when on the map (which is very handily placed on the facing page) Ascalon is not east but west of of Jerusalem!!! Two others that I found referred to Flanders being on the western coast of France (page 60), when it is most definitely to the north and east of France, and less incorrect, but still not quite accurate enough for me was Britanny being referred to as being "immediately south of Normandy" (page42). Yes, it is south, but it is much more to the WEST of Normandy as well as south . . . Not good for less than 100 pages into a non-fiction historical work.
Is this a case of nit-picking? Well, all I know is this: if these basic facts are not correct, then there may be more that I would not know about and so I am less likely to accept other interpretations/conclusions the author presents this book. When something as basic, and simple to verify as a city's geographic location is not correct, I wonder about the research done in the first place, and the veracity of sources, or just simple double checking of facts.
Other reviews that are so glowing are worrisome as well. It really does seem that the general public knows very little about geography!
Enjoyable to read, yes to a point. It is like the 1940's movie version of Pride and Prejudice that was entertaining, but not true to the original book. I'm not sure I'll finish the book, but then again maybe I will.
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3: Four Queens: Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe
A fabulous history of the 13th Century and the part played by these beautiful and savvy women-behind-the throne in matters great and small. The to-and-fro between England and France, the English King vs an incipient parliament, the European Crusaders vs the Middle Eastern Muslims -- all searing, high drama. Uniquely telling research of the role these women played, often overlooked in "HIStory" books.
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4: four queens
I think this book is very well written. It is very accurate about the facts. Not boring at all.
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5: Fascinating
This book is an angaging, well-paced read. From the ambition of Beatrice to the revolts Eleanor faced to the crusades that Marguerite endured to Sanchia, who I felt sorriest for... these women led fascinating, closely interconnected lives.
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