King Stephen

by Donald Matthew

The reign of King Stephen (1135-54) has usually been seen as uniquely disasterous in the history of the medieval England -- a counrty riven by a civil war between Stephen and his first cousin, the Empress Matilda, and by an anarchy during which overmighty barons laid waste the country and 'Christ and his saints slept'. Donald Matthew challenges this picture. By questioning such melodramatic assumptions, and by looking clearly at what can and cannot be known about Stephen, he brings new light to both the king and his reign. He shows that much of what has been written about Stephen has been based on the selective use of the testimony of hostile witnesses, and has been shot through by wishful thinking or by the political or historical prejudices of the day. King Stephen is an important, well-written and timely reinterpretation of the crisis of Norman government.

Genres: Medieval, Nonfiction, Medieval History, History

302 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Donald James Alexander Matthew (born 1930), British medievalist and Emeritus Professor since 1995 at Reading University, his particular interests are in the High Middle Ages in Europe, especially the Normans, and British interaction with the continent.

Reviews

[Best British Biographies]

There’s a great deal to like about Donald Matthew’s book on Stephen, not the least of which is its author’s straightforwardness. At the very start of his book, he makes his purpose clear, which is to provide an account of Stephen’s reign that is accessible to the general reader. It’s a goal that he fulfills successfully with a text that explains the key issues in a clear style free of historical jargon and the employment of Latin, French, and other foreign terms beyond what is absolutely necessary. He adds to this with a charming anecdote in his preface in which he describes how his introduction to Stephen began as it did for many of his other readers, with a description of the Anarchy in a book aimed towards a popular audience. It’s a disarmingly effective way to connect with his target audience.

For the rest of my review, click on the link:

https://www.bestbritishbios.com/2022/...

[Spikeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read and quite interesting in challenging previous historical opinions. re-examining source material and exploring bias in contemporary authors.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional, even if it has a limited appeal. Very much about how we bring our biases to the craft of history and what it looks like if we don't.