Resources: Fiction
This is a list of works of fiction set in the time of the reign of King
Stephen of England (1135 - 1154).
Highly Recommended:
- Follett, Ken. The Pillars of the Earth. New York: Morrow, c1989.
An historical account of the building of a cathedral during
the reign of King Stephen. There is a lot of information about the construction
of a cathedral, and the politics involved. Highly detailed and very engrossing.
- Peters, Ellis. The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael.
A series of mystery stories that chronicles the adventures
of an herbalist monk living in the mid-twelfth century.
Others
- Bennetts, Pamela. Stephen and the sleeping saints. 1977.
- Dymoke, Juliet. The lion's legacy. 1974. [PZ4.D997 Li PR6054.Y54 ]
- Garwood, Haley Elizabeth. The Forgotten Queen. 1998.
"Against the turbulent backdrop of 12th Century England, Matilda had to overcome
political intrigues, prejudice, and the lover who stole her crown.
Matilda's destiny sent her down an arduous path. She led the last successful
land invasion of England in A.D. 1139 to wrench the throne from Stephen,
the lover who betrayed her. Aided by her illegitimate half-brother, Robert of Gloucester
and scores of nobility, Empress Matilda gained control of the western half of
England."
- Gellis, Roberta. ,i>Knight's honor. 1964. [PZ4.G3217 Kn ]
- Jones, Ellen. The Fatal Crown. New York: Simon & Schuster. c1991.
A fictional account of the relationship between Stephen I and
his cousin Mathilda. It explores a scandal that rumored that Stephen and Mathilda were lovers.
- MacFarlane, Charles. A legend of Reading abbey. 1845 [PZ7.M164 Le ]
- Penman, Sharon Kay. When Christ and His Saints Slept. New York: H. Holt. c1995.
A fictional account of the anarchy of Stephen's reign. "Penman
brings to life a dark period in English history." Focusing on both Stephen and Mathilda, Penman also paints a rich backdrop for the battle for control of the English throne.
- Plaidy, Jean. The Passionate Enemies. New York: Putnam, c1979.
Third in a trilogy about the Norman kings. It explores the
possibilities of a relationship between Stephen and his rival, Mathilda.
Young Adult
- Goodman, Joan E. The Winter Hare. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. 1996.
A boy living during the anarchy of Stephen's reign wishes to become
a knight. He trains at Oxford Castle and takes part in the Battle of Lincoln
and the Siege of Oxford.
Drama
- Meadowcraft, Ernest. Stephen and Matilda: historical play. 1978. [PR6063.E3 S7 ]
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This page was last updated on 19 Nov 2001.