Margaret Campbell Barnes explores the Crusader King’s triumphs and tragedies in a compelling novel of love, loyalty, and lost chances. The fierce Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine birthed a Plantagenet dynasty before her marriage to Henry II became a mockery, and her family’s future hinges on Richard. Linked persistently with the Lionheart in folklore is Robin Hood, portrayed here as Richard’s foster brother and conscience, who so enraged the King that he is banished. The Passionate Brood is a tale of a man driven to win back the Holy Land, beset by the guilt of casting out his childhood friend, and shouldering the burden of being the lionhearted leader of the Plantagenets.
They were called “The Devil’s Brood,” though never to their faces. They were the four surviving sons of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine. With two such extraordinary parents, much was expected of them.
Presented in a lively, full-color graphic-novel style, history comes alive in this groundbreaking curriculum-based series, developed with special consideration for the high-low reader. From the content areas of American history, European history, and ancient history, readers will marvel at the conflicts, triumphs, struggles, and accomplishments of these key historical figures. Each title in the series includes historical background text, maps, primary source images, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. These titles are sure to be received warmly by students, teachers, and librarians alike. Politician, military leader, crusader, and King of England, Richard the Lionheart has been the subject of Middle Ages’ studies for centuries. His early years were marked by bitter rivalry with his father and brothers, but once crowned King in 1189, his primary ambition was to lead a crusade to the Holy Land to recapture the city of Jerusalem.
Forty years before the boy was born, a horde of bloodthirsty barbarians thundered out of the west and conquered his native land. They had succeeded because his people, ever at war with one another, had not fought together to defend their cities. In time the boy was destined to become the very leader that was needed, a man with the courage and vision to unite his people and face the most fearsome and brilliant warrior of the age.
The story of Hugh, page to King Richard the Lion-Hearted of England, and Raymond, page to Count William of France, and their adventures in Palestine during the third crusade. Through their eyes we see how, even with all their quarrels and failures, the men of the third crusade left a lasting record of gallant and heroic deeds. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
