The Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I and mother of Henry II of England, is one of the most fascinating women in history. The Empress Matilda, named to succeed her father, tried to become Queen of England at a time when a female ruling in her own right was unheard-of.
Fictional representations of the era also include Ellis Peter's "Brother Cadfael" mysteries. These accounts, by their nature, are not histories, and some speculations may not be historically accurate.
The Empress Matilda: Queen Consort, Mother and Lady of the English.
Marjorie Chibnail. 1993. A biography of the Empress Matilda, sorting through the many sources to try to come up with an authentic telling of her story.
When Christ and His Saints Slept
Sharon Kay Penman. Quite the believable historical study of Maud's life, this fictional representation is so realistic that it's often hard to remember that it is fiction. A compelling story in history, made into a compelling novel.The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett. Follett's best-seller is set against the backdrop of the struggle between the Empress Maud (Matilda) and King Stephen for the throne of England. Maud, or Matilda, appears as a character in the book, which focuses on the building of a church and the effects of war and dynastic battles on the life of nobles and everyday people.
The Forgotten Queen
Haley Elizabeth Garwood. 1998. Another fictional account of Matilda's life.The Fatal Crown
Ellen Jones. 1991. Yet another fictional version of Queen Matilda's story.