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Rating: 
Summary: Vaguely Entertaining....
Review: (...)"Ten Queens" gives the life story of ten monarchs from diverse time periods and cultures, along with the effects they had on their realms.
The problem with "Queens" is that it reads like a textbook, dryly listing fact after fact. It would be perfect for a research report or biography, as it includes firsthand accounts and scholar's analyses. However, the entertainment quotient is somewhat lacking - as I mentioned before, I could read a textbook and be equally intrigued. However, Mr. Meltzer does manage to portray the personalities of these extraordinary women, and certain passages convey how spectacular their lives must have been.
The illustrations nearly make up for how tedious the text of this tome is. The colorful, barely abstract paintings add an air of fun to the otherwise stringent chapters. Overall, I suggest "Ten Queens" for those wishing to pen a report/biography on Queen Esther, Cleopatra, Boudicca, Zenobia, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabel of Spain, Elizabeth I, Christina of Sweden, Maria Theresa or Catherine the Great, but if you are seeking entertainment, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Very, Very Good!!!
Review: I checked "Ten Queens" out from my local library to brush up on my reading of some of my favorite historical figures of all time- Cleopatra VII and Eleanor of Acquitaine.
While the book shed great light on two of the most famous women in all of ancient/medieval history, the author also brought to light lesser known queens. All of a sudden, I have a great respect for the fearless Zenobia, the corageous Boudicca, and, of course, the Biblical Esther. He has done an oustanding job of researching all of the queens and presenting them all in a favorable light (though let's not forget Christina's hypocritical ways, Cleopatra's love affairs, and Catherine the Great's promiscuity- for history's sake).
All in all, a great book worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Very, Very Good!!!
Review: I checked "Ten Queens" out from my local library to brush up on my reading of some of my favorite historical figures of all time- Cleopatra VII and Eleanor of Acquitaine.
While the book shed great light on two of the most famous women in all of ancient/medieval history, the author also brought to light lesser known queens. All of a sudden, I have a great respect for the fearless Zenobia, the corageous Boudicca, and, of course, the Biblical Esther. He has done an oustanding job of researching all of the queens and presenting them all in a favorable light (though let's not forget Christina's hypocritical ways, Cleopatra's love affairs, and Catherine the Great's promiscuity- for history's sake).
All in all, a great book worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Great for little girls
Review: I found this book at the library by chance. I was looking for a more books about Queen Elizabeth I. This book is a great introduction to women in history. It is easy enough for my then 8 year old to read for the Texas Reader's club. I am definitely checking it out for my 7 yr to use for her TX Reader's club requirements.
Rating:
Summary: Broad based overview of Queens makes excellent reading.
Review: My nine year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed this overview of famous women rulers from ancient times to the 18th century.
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