Book Highlight! – A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver

Do you need a good suggestion for Grade 8 Social Studies?  One of our teachers reviewed “A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver” by E.L. Konigsburg (National Book Award finalist, 1974)

• This is an engaging story of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 – 1204), who was first the wife of King Louis VII of France and then of King Henry II of England.  Eleanor is portrayed as a vibrant, intelligent woman who loved music, poetry, and pageantry.  She was also very involved in government affairs.  She bore 10 children over her long lifespan and is considered one of the most influential women of medieval Europe.  The story of her life is told in four parts through the eyes of Abbot Suger (a real person), Empress Matilda (Eleanor’s mother-in-law), William the Marshal (a true and loyal knight and also a real person), and Eleanor herself.  All four characters are in heaven awaiting the outcome of Henry II’s trial to see if he will finally be allowed into heaven (after spending 800 years in hell or purgatory).  Although the way heaven is portrayed may not be appealing or accurate, the book still briefly introduces the era. It would make a good springboard for further discussion on heaven as well as research into the lives of the historical figures and such things as Abbot Suger’s role in developing Gothic architecture, Eleanor’s role in the establishment of courtly manners, and Henry’s contributions to the standardization of English Common Law.  The content is a relevant addition to a Grade 8 Social Studies program.  Please note that there are a few instances of mild language toward the end of the book.