Stephen (Penguin Monarchs): The Reign of Anarchy

Carl Watkins, 2019

Overview

The reign of Stephen, known as 'the anarchy' (1135-1141), plunged England into civil war. This period revealed a critical weakness in the Norman monarchy: the potential for conflict among William the Conqueror's descendants without clear succession rules. Stephen's promise of strength without oppression proved unsustainable as external threats and internal dissent grew. His actions reflected an uneasy grasp of his role, contributing to the widespread violence that arose from a complex political landscape during the king's eclipse.

Who it's for

• Readers interested in medieval English history.
• Students of monarchical succession and political instability.
• Those seeking to understand the causes of civil conflict.

Key features

• Language: English
• Format: Mass Market Paperbound
• Pages: 144
• Publisher: Random House - Penguin
• Year: 2019
• ISBN: 9780141989877