New books on medieval rulers
The University of Chicago Press has several new and exciting histories of key medieval figures. These books offer engaging and accessible accounts of the lives and impact of key historical rulers and thinkers, bringing the latest research to the attention of a broad readership. Below are several titles worth checking out, including one with a recent review in Medieval World: Culture & Conflict (issue 20).
Frederick Barbarossa by G. A. Loud offers a fresh account of the life and legacy of the legendary Holy Roman emperor. Frederick Barbarossa was a dominant figure in late-twelfth-century European history. He brought peace to Germany, fought to maintain control over Italian cities, and engaged in a lengthy dispute with the papacy before his death on a crusade in the Holy Land. Despite his achievements, Frederick I’s reign marked a decline in imperial authority, as regional powers asserted their authority with increased fervor. This book examines this paradox, charting the limitations of monarchical power in medieval Europe.
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Woman, Queen and Legend by Lindy Grant offers an approachable biography of medieval Europe’s most powerful (and enigmatic) queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124–1204). She was the legendary queen of France and later England, who lived a life marked by power, influence, and myth. This concise, accessible history sheds new light on Eleanor, cutting through the hearsay and slander with a close reading of primary sources. The book highlights the family bonds that shaped Eleanor’s power and identity and demonstrates that Eleanor’s story is one of resilience.
Thomas Becket and His World by Michael Staunton explores the turbulent life and violent death of Thomas Becket, one of the most controversial figures in the Middle Ages: a London merchant’s son turned royal chancellor, an archbishop of Canterbury turned martyred saint. The book looks at Becket’s complex and contested legacy, drawing from the bishop’s writings as well as those of his contemporaries, offering a fresh perspective on Thomas Becket’s life.
Richard the Lionheart: In Life and in Legend by Heather Blurton offers a deep dive into the myth and history surrounding England’s crusader king. This book examines the life of Richard I (1157–1199) through the captivating stories told about him, from the Middle Ages to today. Tales of Richard’s exploits were as colorful as they were varied, ranging from tales of wielding King Arthur’s sword to his descent from the devil (or just a cannibal).