- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (26 Sep 1991)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0631157379
- ISBN-13: 978-0631157373
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 16.7 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
1,258,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Books > History > Britain & Ireland > British Heads of State > Stephen
- #16 in Books > History > Britain & Ireland > British Heads of State > Henry II
- #39 in Books > Biography > British Royalty > Queen Mother
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
Product Description
This is a biography of the Empress Matilda. Granddaughter of William the Conqueror and of King Malcolm of the Scots, and daughter of Henry I, Matilda fought for the throne of England, arguably hers by right, for nine years, and was denied it largely because she was a woman. Contemporary chroniclers said of her that she was "always superior to feminine softness and with a mind steeled and unbroken in adversity". In valour and determination Matilda may be compared with Boudicca, or with Elizabeth I, yet most of the serious work on her action-packed life and historical importance lies in untranslated German studies of the last century. In this book Marjorie Chibnall examines her career as a whole, as King Henry's daughter, as the wife and consort of Emperor Henry V, as Countess of Anjou after the Emperor's death, and as regent for her son, Henry II. In the final chapter the author examines the various ways in which Matilda has been judged by historians through the ages, and offers an assessment of the character and achievements of the woman who was described in her epitaph as "great by birth, greater by marriage and greatest in her offspring". This biography, pieced together from archival sources all over Europe, should be of value and interest both to scholars and the general reader.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Matilda was the daughter and heiress of King Henry I, wife of the Holy Roman Emperor and later of the Count of Anjou, mother of Henry II, the first Plantagenet King of England and she was Lady of the English and should have been Queen. She did not succeed herself but ultimately won as she put her son on the throne. She could have been a power behind her son's throne however she was outshone by the most brilliant and extraordinary woman of her time: Eleanor of Aquitaine, a most powerful duchess in her own rights, former Queen Consort of France and now Queen of England.
Yes, there was quite of injustice with regards to female rulers at the time and the prejudices against woman in power (not that our time this in an unknown phenomenon!) played against her. But one can not help it to feel that she may be had more pretensions than actual talent. There is something haughty and unlike able about her.
But judge for yourself. This book is an excellent and a great read. I enjoyed it very much
Yes, there was quite of injustice with regards to female rulers at the time and the prejudices against woman in power (not that our time this in an unknown phenomenon!) played against her. But one can not help it to feel that she may be had more pretensions than actual talent. There is something haughty and unlike able about her.
But judge for yourself. This book is an excellent and a great read. I enjoyed it very much
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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3 reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
This book is superb -- political history at its best
28 Sep 2001
Format:Paperback
You can't find a better study on the topic, and the author is mistress of the sources like few other living historians. The only thing left to do is to look more at the gender issues raised by the whole issue, but this book is so good and thorough there is absolutely no use criticizing it for what it is not intended to be!
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Wonderful Book
18 May 2000
Format:Paperback
This is a great book about a wonderful woman, who got lost in the shuffel. As there isn't very much written about Matilda, the first almost English Queen in her own right, the author deserves applause for their ability to put together such a checkered past. The thrown was stolen out from under her by her cousin Stephen, and they began the civil war that English people discribed as the time when "Christ and his saints slept." Speaking of which, if you like this book, you'll love "When Christ and His Saints Slept" by Penman.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Empress Matilda
29 April 2000
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found this book fasinating. The beginning is a bit jumbled, hard to follow, but soon it launches the reader into the world of Empress Matilda. The author has done an excellent job of bringing the empress, her father and sons back to life for me espcially, she and son Henry are my ancestors. What better way to get to know them!
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