David J. Hay

An excellent, if carefully limited, study of Matilda's pre-eminence as countess of Tuscany. Hay is careful to focus on her time as military leader, particularly in regards to the Investiture Controversy that set the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire at odds. Matilda emerges as a powerful force on the papal side, not just a supporter but a powerbroker. Hay shows how she acted quite independently of her two husbands (but with great support during her lifetime from her mother). This scholarly work of non-fiction is extremely well-researched (as befits a book adapted from a dissertation) and still a pleasure to read if you're already well aware of 11th and 12th century history.… (meer)