William the Conqueror: The Norman Impact Upon England (English Monarchs) (English Monarchs Series) [Paperback]

Recently there has been an abundance of popular history books concerning 1066 and the Norman Conquest of England. Even so, "William the Conqueror" by David C. Douglas remains the standard text on this medieval ruler and on the years which spanned the Conquest, despite being first published almost 40 years ago. Though large (it weighs in at over 450 pages) this is by no means simply a dry academic work. Douglas' easy and fluid style of writing makes this ideal both for the student and for the more casual reader.

Douglas begins in the Prologue by detailing the questions surrounding the Conqueror's achievements and the sources available to the historian. He then goes on to set the scene, describing the historical geography of Normandy and then the history of the duchy from its creation in AD 911 up to William's birth in 1027, before launching into his biography of the famous Duke himself. While this biography is broadly chronological, following William's career through his minority and then over his various campaigns, it is also divided into themes. In separate chapters Douglas explores the nature of William's rule and administration, pre-Conquest relations between Normandy and England, and his revival of the Church, among other topics. In this way he provides a very comprehensive study.

The extensive index is extremely useful, as is the timeline of the Conqueror's life. Two maps of England and Normandy provide context, and the six Appendices add further depth, covering a variety of topics - from chronologies of William's campaigns, including 1066, to the use of poisoning as a political weapon in eleventh-century Normandy! Unfortunately for the interested reader looking to follow up on material in this book, the bibliography doesn't lists any works later than 1964, the date of this book's original publication. This makes it quite difficult to get a handle on the more recent historiography being conducted in this large subject. For more up-to-date treatments of the Conquest the reader might therefore prefer David R. Bates' book of the same title or Brian Golding's "Conquest and Colonisation". At the same time a very useful counterpart to Douglas is Frank Barlow's "The Godwins", providing the English perspective on the years leading up to 1066.

Nonetheless, Douglas' work is a tremendously useful first port-of-call for anyone interested in the Norman Conquest.

A very well researched book, which not only focuses on the life of its subject, but also examines the military, administrative and ecclesiastical changes in Normandy and England under his rule. It does get a bit dry in places as it analyses some of these themes, but this is undoubtedly an impressive piece of objective scholarship.

David C Douglas, an Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Bristol, has written several books and articles about the Normans. His work is well researched and his writing style is like the mind of an investigative reporter. He examines the contemporary evidence as well as recent scholarship. He points out that which can be confirmed as most probable and what is inaccurate as well as what should be considered with apprehension. Douglas documents his sources well, sometimes even including the citations in the author's native language when translations to modern language can take more than one form.

Douglas explores the somewhat mysterious beginnings of Duke William, the bastard son of Duke Robert I of Normandy. He also briefly gives a background on the founding of the Duchy of Normandy under Rolf the Viking and his line. Douglas discusses the administrative structure on the Norman realm emphasizing the roots from Roman and Carolingian times. He talks about establishment of viscounts and counts in the realm and their relationship with the ducal family.

Douglas tells the story of Duke William's ascension, the anarchy of his minority, and his struggle to take control of the realm, and defend it from Count Geoffrey Martel of Anjou and King Henry I of France. Douglas also explains how Duke William unified his realm by rewarding the new aristocracy. The reestablishment of the Christian Church and monasteries under the Normans is discussed as well as the evolution of the ducal court. Douglas then explores the background of the conquest of England. Duke William's association with King Edward the Confessor and his selection as heir to the throne are discussed as well as the other claimants Harold Godwineson and Harold Hardraada. The Norman Conquest of England is examined. Then Douglas talks about the almost continuous warfare required to maintain William's new realm. The collusion of the various enemies is discussed with fighting occurring on all fronts in Normandy, Maine, the Vexin, and England. William the Conqueror's endurance through all these contests will cause awe. Douglas looks at the Normanization instituted by William of the English aristocratic and ecclesiastic offices. He discusses William's use of existing English administration (Earls, Sheriffs, Hundreds, and Shires) and adaption of the system to more resemble the Norman administration with counts and viscounts. William's last acts as king are described including the division of the realm amongst his sons. The most probable reasons are explored.

Douglas also explores more abstract topics like the rise of the military feudalism and the knight in England and the controversy over the foundations of this institution. He talks about William's infusion into English judicial issues by sending personal representatives to adjudicate and William's efforts to stem abuses of power by his officials. Douglas explores William's influence on the church by promoting reforms sponsored by the pontiffs, but at the same time resisting efforts of the pope to remove the power of the king to appoint candidates to ecclesiastic offices. Norman policy on slavery is discussed and how the English use of slavery was extensively reduced under William. The Domesday Survey, instigated by William, is discussed including its purpose, scope, lasting significance, and reaction by contemporaries.

Douglas breaks out specific topics in the appendixes where he explores difficult subjects in greater detail. I like the way he does this so the flow of the main book is not broken. There are also genealogies for some the main characters. I like the way he puts some information in them and dates where available. These are not just a list of names with lines connecting them. There are only two maps, but they have a lot of detail. I was able to find all the places he talked about.

I highly recommended this book to anyone with interest on the subject. The background provided by Douglas allows even a beginner to have full understanding of William. But, as you can see from my review this work covers more than just a narrative history of William's reign. It dives into the impact of William on Norman and English society and may be too much for some readers.