Stephen (Penguin Monarchs): The Reign of Anarchy

Stephen's reign was a time of chaos and conflict, as he struggled to transition from nobleman to king and was seen as flawed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Stephen's reign was a turbulent period in English history marked by his struggle to establish himself as a legitimate king. Despite his claim to the throne, he was often perceived as lacking the necessary qualities to rule effectively. His actions betrayed a sense of unease in his new role, and his reign was remembered as a time when Christ and his saints slept, plunging England into anarchy.

The lack of clear rules of succession within the Norman monarchy contributed to the conflict within William the Conqueror's family. However, Stephen himself faced additional challenges in transitioning from a nobleman to a king. He struggled to assert his authority and maintain stability, which further weakened his position.

This resonant portrait of Stephen captures his complex personality and the challenges he faced during his reign. It highlights the tensions between his noble background and his newfound role as king, as well as the difficulties he encountered in navigating the political landscape of the time.

Stephen's reign was a pivotal period in English history, marked by political instability, social unrest, and the struggle for power. Despite his efforts to establish himself as a legitimate king, his legacy was often overshadowed by his inability to govern effectively and the chaos that his reign brought to England.

Weight: 89g
Dimension: 175 x 111 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141989877