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The author traces the events and cultural, political and dynastic background that led to the downfall of the Anglo-Saxon rulers during the 100 years leading up to the Norman conquest. The core of the book discusses the reign of Edward the Confessor, suggesting that his philo-Norman policies were little to the taste of the Anglo-Scandinavian aristocracy over whom he prevailed, and that Edward himself was largely responsible for the succession crisis of 1066.