`` The Villains of the Piece ” is another title used to refer to Graham Shelby 's 1972 novel .
Graham Shelby 's 1972 novel , `` The Oath and the Sword '' , ( aka `` The Villians of the Piece '' ) follows Empress Matilda 's faithful supporter Brien FitzCount , Lord of Wallingford , through the years of the Anarchy*Diana Norman 's novel `` Morning Gift '' ( published in 1985 ) follows the trials of an English noblewoman as she struggles to keep safe her lands , her young son .
The Anarchy