{"title":"Elisabeth van Houts","description":"\u003cp\u003eElisabeth van Houts specialises in detailed and compelling historical biographies that bring to life the figures of medieval Europe. Her work often delves into the complexities of power, identity, and legacy, with a particular focus on influential women such as Empress Matilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect richly researched narratives that combine scholarly rigour with accessible storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on well-known historical personalities and the eras they shaped. Her books illuminate the personal and political struggles behind the grand events of history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"empress-matilda-by-elisabeth-van-houts-9780300266085","title":"Empress Matilda","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn authoritative new biography of \u003cem\u003eEmpress Matilda\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eElisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67708966011116,"sku":"9780300266085","price":136.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780300266085-empress-matilda-1.jpg?v=1791839603"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/elisabeth-van-houts.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}