Reviews for King Stephen, 1135-1154

The average rating for King Stephen, 1135-1154 based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-04-05 00:00:00 Daniel Kenny A useful short introduction to the reign of a medieval king more usually mentioned in connection with his rival, empress Matilda. The book covers the often confusing and turbulent reign of Stephen with, and versus,the powers in the land, mostly the earls. Stephen seems to have spent much of his time dashing from place to place to head off enemies (real or imagined) with an almost continuous state (or threat) of civil war. This is only resolved by a common acceptance by all in positions of power and importance to accept the principle of hereditary inheritance of the king and nobles. Key to this was the strength of the succession arrangements (which several later kings and queens would have great trouble sorting out). The book has useful appendices on sources and a list and short notes by county of the earls of the kingdom. Here and there the book strays from the brief to provide a lucid straightforward account into an academic account. Davis says Stephen was "a man of great activity but little judgment". A useful book but not one that encourages more study of this reign.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-06-30 00:00:00 Eric Quinn It's reminded me that I need to read more history books - very interesting!