Clash of Steel
for Military History & Aviation enthusiasts

Search :

Review for Stephen and Matilda's Civil War


Author/Director : Matthew Lewis

Format : Book

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.

Published by : Pen & Sword History, 2019
ISBN : 978 1 52671 833 4

Review last updated : 2019-12-26 11:28:32


See also : other "Early Medieval" reviews