Books about the medieval courts of Jerusalem

[Wowitshot]

This is such a specific ask, I can’t imagine there will be any responses! But I am reading a non fiction book about the Queens of Jerusalem in the eleventh century, it is not a subject I know anything about and I am finding it fascinating. Some of the stories are so interesting and remind me of Shakespearean plays or novels about the Tudor court in the way they combine intrigue, peril, arranged marriages and love matches. I just wondered if anyone knew of any novels set in this place and period? I thought Theodora Komnene was particularly interesting, also Constance of Antioch and Agnes of Courtenay.

Have to do some work now but will check back later to see if anyone has any thoughts!

Is this your book?
www.medievalists.net/2022/02/new-medieval-books-queens-of-jerusalem-the-women-who-dared-to-rule/

sounds interesting

This post is peak MN, OP!

I don't know whether this quite fits the bill, but years ago I read a book called The Source by James Michener. It's a novel and is basically the story of the Jews, from pre Biblical times to...I can't exactly remember when, but I guess late 70s/ early 80s, set in and around Jerusalem. So not 100% what you're after but does cover that location and period in part.

I expect someone far cleverer and better read than me will be along with some better suggestions for you!

I just put one of the names you've mentioned into google, "Agnes of Courtenay book", and came across some results including
readersfavorite.com/book-review/defender-of-jerusalem
hard to say how good it is but it won some awards

Yes it is - the book itself I am finding a bit tricky as it jumps around in time and also everyone is called Baldwin or Raymond, so it is difficult to remember when someone reappears, who they are and what their relationship is to everyone else. But the stories are so interesting (to me!) that I can get over that.

Thanks - I hadn’t got as far as doing that with Agnes, just Theodora!

I just imagine, during and after reading this book, meeting with a friend and trying to draw a family tree of Baldwins with sticky notes 💫

I love reading about women in history. I am going to read your book. Thanks OP!

@Snugglemonkey have you seen Femina by Janina Ramirez yet?
It's on my list to read it, in paper as it it has a lot of details and names