Battle for the Island Kingdom: England's Destiny 1000–1066: Don Hollway: Osprey Publishing

Battle for the Island Kingdom

England's Destiny 1000–1066

Battle for the Island Kingdom

England's Destiny 1000–1066

Description

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 – Harald Sigurdsson, King Cnut, Emma of Normandy and Godwin of Wessex.

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.

Discover the defining personalities of the age, from the kings Aethelred and Cnut to their rival queens, Saxon Aelfifu and Norman Emma, to the power-hungry Godwins and ultimately William the Bastard, who would become William the Conqueror. In a sweeping saga reminiscent of The Last Kingdom and Vikings: Valhalla, this is a gripping tale of divided loyalties, treason and military might by master storyteller Don Hollway, author of the critically acclaimed The Last Viking.

List of Illustrations
Author's Note
Dramatis Personae
Introduction: A New Millennium

Part One. The Vikings: AD 1001–1043
I. Normandy Invasion: 1001
II. Foreigners: 1002
III. Woe to King Aethelred: 1003–1009
IV. The Jomsvikings: 1009–1012
V. Hnefatafl: 1012–1014
VI. Sons of the Fathers: 1014–1016
VII. One King to Rule All: 1016
VIII. Viking England: 1017–1022
IX. Forging an Empire: 1022–1028
X. Kingdoms, Dukedoms, Heirdoms: 1028–1030
XI. Seeking Deliverance: 1030–1035
XII. Power Games: 1036–1037
XIII. Nadirs: 1037–1040
XIV. Harthacnut: 1040–1042
XV. Their Just Rewards: 1042–1043

Part Two. The Anglo-Saxons: AD 1042–1065
XVI. Edward Rex: 1042–1045
XVII. Comeuppances: 1045–1046
XVIII. Outcasts: 1046–1047
XIX. Val-ès-Dunes: 1047
XX. The Godwins: 1047–1049
XXI. William the Bastard: 1049–1051
XXII. Rebellion: 1051
XXIII. Heir to the Throne: 1051–1052
XXIV. The Return of the Godwins: 1052
XXV. Asserting Power: 1052–1053
XXVI. Wars in the North: 1054
XXVII. The Godwinsons: 1055–1056
XXVIII. War and Diplomacy: 1057
XXIX. Supremacy: 1058–1060
XXX. Fragile Peace: 1061
XXXI. Conquerors: 1062–1063
XXXII. Betrayals: 1064–1065

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, 1066–1154
Sources
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author

Product details

Published	09 Nov 2023
Format	Ebook (PDF)
Edition	1st
Extent	352
ISBN	9781472858948
Imprint	Osprey Publishing
Illustrations	8-page plate section in colour
Series	General Military
Short code	GNM
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Don Hollway

Don Hollway is an author, illustrator, and histori…

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