The year 1066 is quite often spoken of as a very important date in the history of Western Civilization. We all know what happened, right? The Battle of Hastings - where William the Conqueror invaded England and defeated King Harold. How much of the battle's proceeding history has been told? Author David Howarth tells it here, from the death of King Edward in January of 1066, to the coronation of William on Christmas day of the same year. Researching everything that could be found, the author gives us the history of events of the year from the viewpoint of your average Englishman, and he paints verbal portraits of the leading characters and their motivations. This book will give readers a new appreciation for the place and the time, and the events which took place in the year 1066. 207 pgs with some maps, illustrations, and diagrams. pb ~ Zach

Customer Review

 
Paula S. from Southern US wrote the following on 01/25/2009:
I ordered this book for my own adult self-education. Next year we will be studying the Middle Ages and I wanted to have a greater understanding of some of the events of that time period. The writing style of David Howarth is very easy to read. It's almost like you are listening to a master storyteller. The first chapter created a wonderful background of what English country life was like in the year of 1066, before the invasion. This chapter would be suitable for students to understand the culture of the day. The book takes into account the many versions and perspectives of the Battle of Hastings and the events leading to it. You don't feel like you are siding with either the Normans or the English, but instead standing as a neutral party watching over the events as they unfold. I believe this book is ideal for self-educators and high school students interested in reading about this era. I have earmarked other David Howarth titles to help me understand the events of history.