Featured battle : 's-Hertogenbosch

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 22 September 1794 - 10 October 1794

The French took this complex fortress with ease. The Coalition commander, General Landgraf von Hessen-Philipsthal, was heavily criticized for the weakness of his defence. Fort Crèvecoeur surrendered at first demand. The Dutch and Prussians were permitted to return home but the Emigré troops were either killed on the spot or returned to France and guillotined.

Stephen and Matilda's Civil War

Matthew Lewis
As a summation, an over view, Matthew Lewis’s book captures the essence, the ebb and flow, of the Anarchy. It is cleverly structured, moving chapter to chapter from opponent to opponent. The style of writing is lively and engaging which makes it difficult to put down.
The book is well researched although original sources are not extensive for the period covered. Lewis makes clear the bias in the accounts which are available and draws out some of their discrepancies. He supports his case by describing the actuality of subsequent positions and actions
The well supported conclusion is that the Anarchy was not as anarchical as the lingering legacy of Victorian writings would have us believe.
We highly recommend this book for anyone coming new or looking for a refreshing reappraisal of the Anarchy.

Pen & Sword History, 2019