Magnificent and Essential

Rating:

Adela of Blois: Countess and Lord (C.1067-1137) by Kimberly A. LoPrete took more than 15 years to write. LoPrete, a frequently published professor of history at the University fo Galway, (see her on Google and Wikipedia) comes close to equaling the famed Francis Yates in her depth of insight and style. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the role of women in Medieval Europe, not just France, since Adela's son, Stephan, became King of England. More over Adela was the granddaughter of William the Conquerer and her youngest son, Henry Blois (she had ten children) became the Archbishop of Winchester and Abbot of Glastonbury. Anyone interested in women's rights, Eleanore of Aquitane, Chartres cathedral, or Marie of Champagne will love this book. Its only downside is the cost, nearly 100 bucks. This book needs to come out in a trade paper version as soon as possible. Hank Harrison The Cauldron and the Grail (Grail Triology, Vol. 1) and Catriona Watson