Queen of the Conqueror
The Life of Matilda, Wife of William I
by Tracy Borman
Mem. Ed. $20.99
Pub. Ed. $30.00
You pay $1.00
Queen of the Conqueror
While the exploits of William the Conqueror have been widely chronicled, his consort remains largely overlooked. In Queen of the Conqueror, historian Tracy Borman weaves together an illuminating tapestry of Matilda of Flanders, a woman whose role as the first crowned Queen of England had a lasting influence on the English monarchy.
Matilda emerges as passionate, steadfast and wise, yet also ruthless and tenacious in pursuit of her goals, and the only person capable of taming her formidable husband. He, unprecedented for the period, remained staunchly faithful to her. This mother of nine, including four sons who went on to inherit William’s French and English dominions, confounded the traditional views of women in medieval society by seizing the reins of power whenever she had the chance, directing her husband’s policy, and at times flagrantly disobeying his orders.
Borman lays out Matilda’s story against one of the most fascinating and transformative periods in European history. Stirring, richly detailed, and wholly involving, Queen of the Conqueror reveals not just an extraordinary figure but an iconic woman who shaped an era that cast the essential framework for the world we know today.
Hardcover Book : 336 pages
Publisher: Bantam Dell Pub. Group ( April 03, 2012 )
Item #: 13-573630
ISBN: 9780553808148
Product Dimensions: 6.125 x 9.25 x 0.84inches
Product Weight: 18.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
A Great Read 
June 28, 2012
This book was an excellent read. For me it read more like a story than a straight historical narrative, as it flowed very easily. Matilda was quite the character, and her feisty determination was illustrated in the book superbly. I was impressed with the author's research - she did a fine job of record combing and fact finding. The ways in which Matilda influenced the behaviour of not just people she knew, but generations of people to come really struck me. I will probably read this book again in a few years. Well done, Tracy, and thanks!
Reviewer: Sandi B
Tracy Borman is a masterful historian. 
June 24, 2012
Borman certainly did her research. Matilda was an interesting woman who lived at an interesting time. Not much has ever been documented about Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. I plan to read more from this author.
Reviewer: Jean
worthwhile
June 23, 2012
One knows so little about these times that this book makes a worthwhile contribution. However, to retain a neutral point of view seems to be the most difficult achievement in such cases as this.
Overall, it's good to have the opportunity to learn more, but one has the feeling that the autor's point of view might sometimes be biased agained the son's of the person
represented in the book.
Perhaps it's simply that we, in our times, do not understant the morality and points of view of older times.
In any case, she was, obviously, a most interesting and lovely lady.
Reviewer: sandoldmoon
Don't even have it yet
April 19, 2012
I can't very well review a book I don't even have yet. Get it together guys.
Reviewer: Tom G
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