In 1135, Stephen of Blois usurped the throne, stealing it from his cousin Empress Matilda and sparking a nineteen-year civil war that would become known as the Anarchy, one of the bloodiest periods in English history. On the one side is Empress Matilda. The sole surviving legitimate child of Henry I, she is fighting for her birthright and that of her children. On the other side is her cousin, Queen Matilda, supporting her husband, Stephen, and fighting to see her own son inherit the English crown. Both women are granddaughters of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and descendants of Alfred the Great of Wessex. Empress Matilda was the first woman to claim the throne of England in her own right, but did not gain the support of the barons. When Queen Matilda's husband King Stephen was captured by the Empress's forces, it was down to her to keep the fight going, and to negotiate for her husband's release. Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how these women, unable to wield a sword, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It show how their strengths, weaknesses and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way - and then the other.

About the Author
Sharon Bennett Connolly has been fascinated by history for over thirty years. She has a BA Honours degree in History, Business and Law and has worked as a tour guide at historical sites. Her blog, History ... the Interesting Bits, concentrates on (but is not confined to) the medieval period and the lesser-known people and events of history. She also writes for The Review Blog. She is the author of four titles, including 'Heroines of the Medieval World' and 'The Silk and the Sword'.

Reviews
'This is a fascinating story that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the power plays of the medieval world.' -- All About History Magazine, February 2024
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gives an in depth account of The Anarchy, with background - the sinking of the White Ship is described in the prologue - and chapters on the next generation and the founding of the Angevin dynasty, so all in all this is a rounded study of the period, but always the emphasis is on the women and the parts they played. Couple this with the author's readable style, and it's a book which informs and entertains.' -- Reads, Writes, Reviews, January 2024
'This book is rich in details and is so well written as Connolly takes the time to distinguish between the Matildas, which there are quite a few in this book, and explain how the conflict started and finally how it was concluded. I think if you want a fabulous book about the Anarchy and the women who defined this period, I highly recommend you check out, "Women of the Anarchy" by Sharon Bennett Connolly.' -- Adventures of a Tudor Nerd, January 2024
'Connolly's writing is both engaging and informative, making this book a compelling read for anyone interested in the Anarchy and the remarkable women who defined this pivotal era in English history.' -- Medieval Latin, January 2024



Book Information
ISBN 9781445691718
Author Sharon Bennett Connolly
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Amberley Publishing
Publisher Amberley Publishing
Weight(grams) 628g