Weaving together period sources and a fast-paced narrative, this is a rich history of the years leading up to 1066 when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans vied for the English crown. SHORTLIST FOR MILITARY HISTORY MATTERS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024
Weaving together period sources and a fast-paced narrative, this is a rich history of the years leading up to 1066 when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans vied for the English crown.
Includes all the key individuals that inspired the final season of Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla and the brand-new BBC drama King and Conqueror.
Bloody battles, political intrigues and dynastic marriages all played a part in shaping a nascent England. Battle for the Island Kingdom is a rich history of the violent six decades when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and ultimately Normans vied for the English crown before the seismic Battle of Hastings determined the fate of England for centuries.
Discover the defining personalities of the age, from the English king Aethelred and his nemesis Viking Svein Forkbeard to Cnut who forged an empire across England and Scandinavia only for his Norman queen Emma and Saxon consort Aelfifu to pit his sons against each other. We discover how the power-hungry Earl Godwin plays all sides until his own son Harold eventually seizes the crown and why Harold's brother Tostig chose to betray both him and his people for the Norman William the Bastard, who would become William the Conqueror.
Thisis a gripping tale of divided loyalties, treason and military might by master storyteller Don Hollway, author of the critically acclaimed The Last Viking.
Recenzijos
A great book both for those exploring the story behind the Norman Conquest for the first time, and for more knowledgeable readers who want to read a fresh account of it. * Aspects of History * Battle for the Island Kingdom is thoroughly enjoyable, and is recommended to anyone looking for a comprehensive and accessible history of the period. * Military History Matters * The story of England and how it came to be a Norman possession is an intricate and fascinating one. This is a very readable book which opens up this complex period. * Battlefield *
Daugiau informacijos
Weaving together period sources and a fast-paced narrative, this is a rich history of the years leading up to 1066 when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans vied for the English crown.
List of Illustrations
Author's Note
Dramatis Personae
Introduction: A New Millennium
Part One. The Vikings: AD 10011043
I. Normandy Invasion: 1001
II. Foreigners: 1002
III. Woe to King Aethelred: 10031009
IV. The Jomsvikings: 10091012
V. Hnefatafl: 10121014
VI. Sons of the Fathers: 10141016
VII. One King to Rule All: 1016
VIII. Viking England: 10171022
IX. Forging an Empire: 10221028
X. Kingdoms, Dukedoms, Heirdoms: 10281030
XI. Seeking Deliverance: 10301035
XII. Power Games: 10361037
XIII. Nadirs: 10371040
XIV. Harthacnut: 10401042
XV. Their Just Rewards: 10421043
Part Two. The Anglo-Saxons: AD 10421065
XVI. Edward Rex: 10421045
XVII. Comeuppances: 10451046
XVIII. Outcasts: 10461047
XIX. Val-čs-Dunes: 1047
XX. The Godwins: 10471049
XXI. William the Bastard: 10491051
XXII. Rebellion: 1051
XXIII. Heir to the Throne: 10511052
XXIV. The Return of the Godwins: 1052
XXV. Asserting Power: 10521053
XXVI. Wars in the North: 1054
XXVII. The Godwinsons: 10551056
XXVIII. War and Diplomacy: 1057
XXIX. Supremacy: 10581060
XXX. Fragile Peace: 1061
XXXI. Conquerors: 10621063
XXXII. Betrayals: 10641065
Part Three. The Normans: AD 1066
XXXIII. Challenge Accepted: Spring 1066
XXXIV. Opening Moves: Summer 1066
XXXV. Return of the Vikings: September 1066
XXXVI. Hastings: October 1066
Afterword: Domesday, 10661154
Sources
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author
Don Hollway is an author and historian. His first book, The Last Viking, is a gripping history of King Harald Hardrada which was acclaimed by bestselling author Stephen Harding, by Carl Gnam of Military Heritage magazine and by Michael Dirda in The Washington Post. He is also a classical rapier fencer. His work is also available at www.donhollway.com. He lives in Pennsylvania.
