- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: The History Press Ltd; New Ed edition (9 Dec 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0750937637
- ISBN-13: 978-0750937634
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
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- #74 in Books > History > Britain & Ireland > Anglo-Saxon 500-1000
Harold: The Last Anglo-Saxon King
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
King Harold Godwineson (c.1022-66) is one of history's shadowy figures, known mainly for his defeat and death at the Battle of Hastings. His true status and achievements have been overshadowed by the events of October 1066 and by the bias imposed by the Norman victory. In truth, he deserves to be recalled as one of England's greatest rulers. "Harold: The Last Anglo-Saxon King" sets out to correct this distorted image by presenting Harold's life in its proper context, offering the first full-length critical study of his career in the years leading up to 1066. Ian Walker's carefully researched critique allows the reader to realistically assess the lives of both Harold and his rival William, significantly enhancing our knowledge of both.
About the Author
IAN W. WALKER is a well-respected historian, whose works have included Lords of Alba. He lives in Edinburgh
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the problems afflicting English history surrounding 1066 is that some historians have been swayed by sympathiser sources (e.g. that of Robert of Jumieges, the deposed Archbishop of Canterbury) and the victor's propaganda and actions (e.g. The Bayeux Tapestry, 'The Carmen', and the destruction of many Anglo-Saxon documents).
Harold, The Last Saxon King is a refreshing change.
Ian Walker demonstrates healthy scepticism, steers away from legend, and objectively considers sources - or if lacking, as for some Anglo-Saxon perspectives - reasoned evidence of the time. And through careful analysis and thought, he arrives at good, insightful conclusions.
Considering this book is largely an analysis of sources and literature, the surprise is that it is interesting and involving, which is credit to the author's thinking and writing abilities.
Chapter 11 is an interesting and dispassionate account of the Battle of Hastings. Commonly cited failings directed at King Harold are impetuousness and a 'premature' move from London against Duke William's invading forces - perhaps in hope of surprise, as Harold had previously achieved at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Ian Walker shows through evidence that Harold was actually a cautious commander in nearly all of his career and generally preferred negotiation to combat, yet there were good reasons to move early against William. Just because Harold lost the Battle of Hastings doesn't mean he wasn't William's equal as a commander. Ian Walker shows Harold was at least that, and without the murderous streak.
Harold, The Last Saxon King is a refreshing change.
Ian Walker demonstrates healthy scepticism, steers away from legend, and objectively considers sources - or if lacking, as for some Anglo-Saxon perspectives - reasoned evidence of the time. And through careful analysis and thought, he arrives at good, insightful conclusions.
Considering this book is largely an analysis of sources and literature, the surprise is that it is interesting and involving, which is credit to the author's thinking and writing abilities.
Chapter 11 is an interesting and dispassionate account of the Battle of Hastings. Commonly cited failings directed at King Harold are impetuousness and a 'premature' move from London against Duke William's invading forces - perhaps in hope of surprise, as Harold had previously achieved at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Ian Walker shows through evidence that Harold was actually a cautious commander in nearly all of his career and generally preferred negotiation to combat, yet there were good reasons to move early against William. Just because Harold lost the Battle of Hastings doesn't mean he wasn't William's equal as a commander. Ian Walker shows Harold was at least that, and without the murderous streak.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Great book about the King Harold who ruled England from January 1066 to October 1066, between Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror.
The fascinating thing is that Harold ALMOST pulled it off. This book gives us a detailed look at Harold's year as king and the problems he faced, namely competition for the throne of England by another King and a Duke.
What most people don't know is that Harold defeated King Harald Hardrada of Norway in a pitched battle near York before riding south to his doom at Hastings.
Even Hasting wasn't an easy battle. The last English king put up a great fight and the battle wasn't decided until very late in the day when Harold finally fell and was killed.
Harold deserves mush more of a mention that most histories of England give him. He was a clever politician and capable, experience warrior who rode and fought his opponents hard. Never the coward, he bravely faced his enemies in battle.
This book is very interesting in filling in the blanks about a man who was king of England only briefly in 1066. It's an interesting read for anyone interesting in the end of Anglo-Saxon England and all that went with it.
Buy and read; it's a cracking book I'd recommend you...
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ian W Walker shines a dazzling light on this part of what is often refered to as the dark ages. Not only does he write a thoroughly researched account of Harold's life he also puts it in the context of late Anglo Saxon period. This book is a labour of love and it comes across as such. There's detail enough to greatly inform you without your getting bogged down in the minutia of humdrum daily life. A superb read!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Readable and well researched
A very well researched biography of Harold, using all the relatively scare English and Norman sources as fully but as realistically as possible, being aware of their biases and... Read more
Published on 30 May 2009 by John Hopper
A Dazzling Account of Harold
This is a gritty and dazzling account of the short reign of the last Anglo Saxon King of England. Although his reign was pitifully short and savagely curtailed it is quite amazing... Read more
Published on 8 Dec 2007 by J. Chippindale
A worthy opponent to William the Conqueror
I must admit it. I knew next to nothing about this man, and this book opened my eyes to what was truly a remarkable and effective leader. Read more
Published on 25 Oct 1998
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