Carl Watkins

Stephen is a good basic introduction to one of England's more questionable medieval kings. The subtitle, "Reign of Anarchy" sums up his reign in a nutshell. Stephen was never supposed to become king, in fact he swore an oath to ensure the succession of Henry I's daughter, Matilda. But once Henry was dead, he decided being king sounded like a good idea. Only to find himself completely out of his element once he actually succeeded. Barons being barons, they noticed and took advantage, as did David I of Scotland who basically took over all of Yorkshire, and Matilda's husband, Geoffrey of Anjou who seized Normandy. Matilda herself proceeded to be a pain in his side for the rest of Stephen's life until he finally named her son, the future Henry II, his heir. Suffice to say, it was not a good time to live on the Isle of Britain.

For anyone with an interested in the era of Stephen and Matilda. It's short, succinct, and full of fun family squabbles. Highly recommended.… (mer)