Notorious Royal Marriages

December 25, 2009
This book begins in the 12th century with Eleanor of Aquitaine's first marriage (to King Louis VII of France) and ends with a chapter on Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Camilla Parker-Bowles. Carroll (Royal Affairs), who writes fiction as Amanda Elyot, dedicates between 11 and 15 pages to each royal couple. While she puts events and personalities into historical context, she does so using an extremely facetious tone. Modern anachronisms are many, as when she compares England's elderly and less-than-fit King Edward IV-of the 15th century-to Star Wars' Jabba the Hut. Martha Stewart also makes an appearance via a throwaway line. Needless to say, there are six chapters on Henry VIII. Hanoverian, Russian, French, and English partnerships dominate the list of profiled couples. Carroll writes with compassion about the too-little, too-late maturation of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Verdict Altogether Carroll presents an interesting and entertaining view of some of history's most famous royal couples. Fun if sometimes snarky, the book may attract history buffs as well as those who enjoy amusing historical anecdotes because Carroll makes use of solid secondary sources.-B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara P.L. Syst., CA

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