XIII century. The heyday of chivalry and the Crusades of Louis the Holy, the struggle of feudal lords with monarchs and the sophisticated intrigues of the papal court. The era of four beauties who became the most famous women of their time. Marguerite, Eleanor, Sancha and Beatrice. Daughters of the Count of Provence, who married brilliant European monarchs, but did not want to remain forever in the shadow of crowned spouses. Queen of France, Queen of England, Queen of Germany and Queen of Sicily. They ruled on a par with their husbands - and often pushed them into the background. They took risks and fought, formed dangerous political alliances and felt equally free at troubadour poetry tournaments and at the negotiating table. These legendary women and their time come alive in the pages of Nancy Goldstone's fascinating book!