- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: The History Press; New edition edition (15 Sep 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0750937939
- ISBN-13: 978-0750937931
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 314,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Stephen & Matilda: The Civil War of 1139-53
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Civil war and the battle for the English Crown dominated the reign of King Stephen, and this popular account is the only complete account of the complex and fascinating military situation. The war is examined in detail throught the various campaigns, battles and sieges of the period, including the two major battles at the Standard and Lincoln, showing that Stephen always held more ground than his opponents and was mostly on the offensive. The nature of the warfare and the reasons for its outcome are examined, along with comment on the strategy, tactics, technology in arms and armour, and the important improvements in fortifications. Full use has been made of the numerous detailed chronicle sources which give some indication of the horrors of twelfth-century war, the depredations which affected the ordinary people of the land, and the atrocities which sometimes accompanied it. Full of colourful characters - the likeable king, the domineering Matilda, the young and vital Henry of Anjou (later Henry II), his intelligent and effective father Geoffrey Count of Anjou, the powerful barons from Geoffrey de Mandeville to Ranulf of Chester - and illustrated with photographs, maps and manuscript illustrations, this is a fascinating story of rivalry for the English throne which throws new light on a much-neglected aspect of Stephen's reign.
About the Author
Jim Bradbury taught history at Brunel University College before taking early retirement to devote himself to writing. He has written widely on medieval military history including 'The Medieval Archer', 'The Medieval Siege' and 'The Battle of Hastings' (new to paperback format edition in June 2005).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I struggled to find a book that covered this conflict. The only other ones I have seen were in hardback and expensive. There are lots of general histories of 12th century England but I wanted one devoted to the civil war.
So I bought it because it was the one that was available at the time, but was delighted when it proved to be a good read based on good research.
My assessment of the authors primary position is that Stephen deserves a higher reputation than is generally given to him by historians. He explains why some of the decisions that to us seem bad (like returning Maud to his enemies) where at the time understandable.
He also explains why there were only two battles of any size and covers the "castle war" very well.
So I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good introduction to "The Anarchy" (the Pillars of the Earth period)
So I bought it because it was the one that was available at the time, but was delighted when it proved to be a good read based on good research.
My assessment of the authors primary position is that Stephen deserves a higher reputation than is generally given to him by historians. He explains why some of the decisions that to us seem bad (like returning Maud to his enemies) where at the time understandable.
He also explains why there were only two battles of any size and covers the "castle war" very well.
So I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good introduction to "The Anarchy" (the Pillars of the Earth period)
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book presents a fairly persuasive case that the period of the civil war between these two was not quite the uniformly awful anarchy that is commonly depicted, and that Stephen was not the weak ruler with poor judgement that he is commonly held to be. However, I found the writing rather dry, with too much description of military manoeuvres, people switching sides and gaining or losing land, and not enough analysis, hence the relatively low rating for a non-fiction work about a period of history I am interested in.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I had to read up on Stephen and Matilda for a talk on the subject, so had to be quick, as i teach ancient history and was,nt too conversant with this period, i found it a little heavy going at times but accurate and well written, all in all i liked it and would buy from the same author.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
`nothing but strife, evil and robbery'
Jim Bradbury has produced a first-rate analysis of `The Anarchy', the period 1138-53 dominated by the struggle between Stephen and Matilda for the kingdom of England. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Bob
Very readable..
I like this period of history, the Dark Ages. My favourite king was always Stephen although I couldn't tell you why... I always believed him to be a weak, vacilliating king but Mr. Read more
Published on 20 April 2010 by Rufus
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