A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver

Rating:
Summary: An OK Book
Review: I first read this book at least 15 years ago and have never forgotten it. This book and The Daughter of Time launched my ongoing love affair with British history. After reading this book, I was so inspired that I dressed as Eleanor of Aquitaine for Halloween; I was shocked and astonished to discover that she was far from a household name and I spent my entire evening of trick-or-treating explaining my costume. If more books for children were as historically accurate and entertaining as is Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, I think more people would have recognized and appreciated my costume. E.L. Konigsburg writes some of the best children's books I've ever read and they stand the test of time- I enjoy reading them now as much as I did then. By writing about an often ignored yet fascinating woman, Konisburg opened my eyes to a range of historical characters usually excluded in traditional history books. I highly recommend this book for any child, but especially for young girls who are looking for more female characters to shape their understanding of world history.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent intro to one of history's most powerful women
Review: I first read this book at least 15 years ago and have never forgotten it. This book and The Daughter of Time launched my ongoing love affair with British history. After reading this book, I was so inspired that I dressed as Eleanor of Aquitaine for Halloween; I was shocked and astonished to discover that she was far from a household name and I spent my entire evening of trick-or-treating explaining my costume. If more books for children were as historically accurate and entertaining as is Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, I think more people would have recognized and appreciated my costume. E.L. Konigsburg writes some of the best children's books I've ever read and they stand the test of time- I enjoy reading them now as much as I did then. By writing about an often ignored yet fascinating woman, Konisburg opened my eyes to a range of historical characters usually excluded in traditional history books. I highly recommend this book for any child, but especially for young girls who are looking for more female characters to shape their understanding of world history.

Rating:
Summary: A Keeper
Review: I first read this book ten years ago, when I managed to leave my homeroom ten minutes late after being completely engrossed in the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Last year I finally managed to purchase a copy and found Konigsberg's work as fascinating as I always did. Her narrative is fascinating and her heroine is exciting, selfish, conniving, vain, funny, and in all aspects a very cool character. Be sure to read this book, The View from Saturday, and my Konigsberg favorite: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Rating:
Summary: A book that turns historical information into comedy
Review: I had to read this book for my 7th grade class and in my opinion, this book was only good for its informative history. By trying to make this book look funny isn't really a good way to make the reader become more impressed. There are more book for reading pleasure; only read this one if it's for information.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing book
Review: I love Eleanor very much. She was beautiful both inside and outside. She loved poetry, music, and art. She was strong and always fought bravely. She was a pioneer feminist.
I love the beautiful illustrations by E.L.Konigsburg, too. Great!

Rating:
Summary: Great read!!!
Review: I loved this book! The humor entwined in the history kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed. It takes a rear talent to write with such wit and yet with so much attention to the historical details that the reader actually learns without realizing it. I am 37, my daughter almost 13, and we both enjoyed it. If you want to read about a strong woman in an interesting period of time, give this book a go!

Rating:
Summary: my favorite by e.l. konzinberg!
Review: I loved this book! What is really really cool is I got to meet her when she came to my school and she signed the book for me, which was really really cool. If u love history you'll love this book. I laughed alot while reading this book! u should read it if u have ever read something by el konziberg and liked it- even if u like it only OK. also- if u like this read "from the mixed up files of ms basil e frankwieler" that book is also better for younger readers- and if u aren't a younger reader u should enjoy it all the same.

Rating:
Summary: History I could get into
Review: I read this book first as a young teen, then I re-read it periodicaly when I reached adulthood, and it never lost its shine. It lead me into other interests in European history. Eleanor is made into a great -- and human -- character. I could see why she did what she did, and it added depth to other historical accounts I read of the same period. I recommend it enthusiastically!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I read this book years ago. It was simply stunning and engrossing. Since I first read it, I've been searching for it! Finally, I stumbled upon a picture of Elanor, and I have a copy on order right now.

Rating:
Summary: I think this book is WONDERFUL!!!!!
Review: I really liked this book. It gives you a real-life veiw of the Middle ages,and is interesting. I don't think that the age that Amazon put on this book is correct. Kids that young won't understand it or enjoy it. This is one of my favorite books!!