Review
The evidence is handled with sensitivity and thoroughness, and the result is a stimulating and helpful monograph which much advances the study of this political watershed. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW Exemplary monograph. ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW Amt's study of Henry taking control of England is a convincing refurbishing of his traditional portrait as a political genius. AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW An original, illuminating, and lucid study of an important subject. It is based on sound scholarship and extensive research and will be of considerable value to students and teachers of twelfth-century Anglo-Norman and Angevin history. ALBION A new and exciting approach examin(ing) a transitional period encompassing two reigns. Elegantly written and well crafte.. it causes us to reconsider received opinion concerning Stephen's mainentance of royal government during the civil war and the nature of policies carried out by Henry II. SPECULUM
Product Description
This book tells the story of the transition from the reign of King Stephen of England (1135-54) to that of Henry II (1154-89). It is a story of change: from civil war to peace, from a threatened throne to stability, from weak to strong royal government. Although previous writers on the general period have recognised the importance of the changeover, its details have been left largely unconsidered until now. Professor Amt explores the problems Henry faced in obtaining the throne, the conditions which allowed the negotiation of the peace treaty of 1153, the terms of that treaty and the basic steps by which the new royal government established its authority in England after 1154. This is achieved through detailed studies of both particular geographical regions (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Essex) and of groups of people (Flemings and financial networks) who proved helpful in easing the transition. Also included are new analyses of royal financial adminstration in the first five years of the new reign. EMILIE AMT is associate professor of history, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland.
