A NEW brightly illustrated book tells the story of a feminist woman who fought to gain her rightful place as England’s first queen over 800 years ago.
Two Sallys are responsible for this accessible tale of Matilda’s remarkable life.
Ruscombe artist Sally Castle, illustrator for over 50 books published by Two Rivers Press of Reading, has done magnificent, colourful work for the new book, Empress Matilda: My Story.
Sally Mortimore, of Reading, has written Matilda’s story in short sections.
One of her children suggested writing in the first person, using ‘I’, and the idea works well.
The tone is confiding and personal in the compelling opening: “Greetings – I’m Maltilda (you may know me as Empress Matilda) and I was so nearly the first Queen of England.
“William the Conqueror was my grandfather, and I should have succeeded my father, King Henry I.
“I . . .came very close to seizing the crown back from my cousin, Stephen, however, it was not to be; this is my story.”
Sally Castle’s illustrations were inspired by the medieval stained glass windows in local churches.
They also inspired her ‘illuminated letters’ at the start of each section.
The illustrations include Reading Abbey, where Matilda stopped on her way to London.
Her father’s tomb was in the abbey.
Later, Matilda is seen escaping from Oxford Castle in the snow.
Her father, who died from eating too many lampreys (eel-like creatures) appears with a huge bowl of writhing dinner.
I kept reading about Empress Matilda, it was an interesting story.
Sally Mortimore wrote the story for the book, splitting it into 15 sections.
“I loved doing the illustrations and lettering,” said Sally Castle.
She enjoys history now, having recovered from the subject being ‘murdered’ at school.
The book, titled: Empress Matilda, My Story, has a forward by Lindy Grant, Professor Emeritus of medieval history at the University of Reading, and includes a list of dates and events in Matilda’s life.
Priced at £9.99, it is published by Two Rivers Press.
Sally Castle’s illustrated book of Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince had to be reprinted after its first run sold out.
The book was long-listed for the World Illustration awards last year.
Her village signs for Ruscombe, Twyford and Hurst are much-loved parts of the villages.
For information, visit: tworiverspress.com
