MEDIEVAL HEROINES IN HISTORY AND LEGEND

Although she teaches in Texas, Professor Wheeler has a highbrow Eastern accent and an enthusiastic style that seems just right for talking about medieval heroines. Wheeler focuses on four historic figures: Heloise, Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Joan of Arc. She discusses each in the context of her culture. Describing their actual achievements, as well as their legendary exploits, Wheeler offers an interesting analysis of how each woman's reputation evolved over time--alternately being tainted, sexualized, and sanctified. There's a fair amount of repetition, but Wheeler's lectures are nonetheless thought-provoking and educational. A rewarding listen. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]