<p>''<b>A superb book</b>, illuminating a <b>fascinating and turbulent era</b>. It is the figure of Matilda who rightly commanded the stage in all her <b>power and complexity</b>'' Nicola Cornick<br><br>When Princess Matilda is eighteen years old, tragedy strikes the royal family, and she becomes the only child of the king of England - the <i>de facto</i> heir to the throne. As her dying father persuades the barons to pledge allegiance to her, Matilda returns to England - but the lords and clergy do not like an independent woman. And Matilda is nothing if not headstrong . . .<br><br>When the old king dies, the country is plunged into instant chaos. So begins a fierce battle between cousins that will go down in history as a time called ''The Anarchy''. And Matilda must race across England, evading capture until she can demand the crown . . .<br><br>''The story of Matilda is <b>strikingly brought to life</b> with this <b>beautiful written</b> novel. <b>A must for any fan of medieval hist