Matilda

Empress, Queen, Warrior

By: Catherine Hanley

Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon

A life of Matilda - empress, skilled military leader, and one of the greatest figures of the English Middle Ages.

Matilda was a daughter, wife, and mother. But she was also empress, heir to the English crown - the first woman ever to hold the position - and an able military general.

This new biography explores Matilda's achievements as military and political leader and sets her life and career in full context. Catherine Hanley provides fresh insight into Matilda's campaign to claim the title of queen, her approach to allied kingdoms and rival rulers, and her role in the succession crisis. Hanley highlights how Matilda fought for the throne and argues that although she never sat on it herself, her reward was to see her son become king. Extraordinarily, her line has continued through every single monarch of England or Britain from that time to the present day.

©2019 Catherine Hanley (P)2019 Tantor

Confusing Matilda

The book was very informative and well written. The narrator was great. I found it tough at times to keep track of which Matilda was doing what during the battle.

Wonderful

I really enjoyed this book, I accidentally stumbled on it looking for her grandmother, Matilda, Queen consort to William the conqueror. I would love to know more about her sources. I thought this book was wonderful, and how someone has the patience and diligence to compile all this information together is beyond me thank goodness there are authors who can do this. We plan to go to Rouen. I just loved this book.

A new view of Empress Matilda

This well-written and well-narrated audiobook provides a fresh perspective on Matilda. Long derided for her failures as a prospective queen of England, this book shows how her greatest disadvantage was the inability of the men of her time to envision a queen regnant. The qualities she portrayed, which would have been praised in a king or a queen consort, were criticized in her as arrogance. Yet her efforts on behalf of her son, Henry II, changed English history forever.

It’s perfect

The way in which the story flows, the narrator’voice and the careful investigation made for this book makes it a must listen!

Good attention to fine details that illuminate Matilda’s actions.

Good reading pace and volume, attention to proper pronunciation to avoid confusion on place names, excellent book to listen to while doing needlework.