The events of 1066 AD cast a big shadow over the past 1000 years. It's easy to mythologize it, to portray the actors and period as heroic. In this popular history, Howarth resists the heroic tendency and rather brings it down to a personal scale in a believable way, sticking to the facts without going to the other extreme of academic dullness. The simplicity and directness of the people he writes about matches his writing style. Howarth has the feel of an amateur historian, but in the best sense, mixing professional practices with colorful narrative stories. Although the analysis often feels simple, it is expedient and reasonable given the lack of sources. History here has no overarching theory or grand design, it is a series of contingencies, one thing influencing the next. In the end, it was mostly "luck" that made William the Conqueror, according to Howarth. Although this is the most detailed account of 1066 I have read, some aspects Howarth missed entirely. For example, an arrow in the eye is medieval iconography for someone who has lied under oath. Howarth doesn't mention that Harolds death by arrow was probably apocryphal Norman propaganda. But it just underscores the question, what is better about 1066? The amazing things we know happened, or the myths and legends surrounding it. ( )

This is a well-written book of the events in 1066 that ultimately lead to putting William the Conqueror on the throne of England. The book starts by chronicling the recent history leading up to 1066 and culminating with the death of King Edward.

We learn the life of a common thane, his values and the scope of his world. It then expands into the justice system, their decision-making process, and ultimately how they choose their kings.

The book then follows events for each of the major players, King Harold, Harald Hardrada of Norway, and Duke William of Normandy. Filling in their backgrounds, motivations, and actions as each interacts with, or nearly misses the others.

The author builds on a series of events, each which could have changed the course of history, but collectively, led to the conquest of England. In the end, he brings it back to the thanes, and how it affected his world.

The story is very well told, contains a wealth of information and was difficult to put down. It provides a new perspective and great insights into an area of history most of us know too little about. ( )

A short, no-nonsense but utterly readable history of the most important year in English history. The type of history book that is also enjoyable for people who don't care for history (similar in that respect to David McCullough). ( )

This excellent book tells of a very turbulent year during which Harold II ascended to the throne of England, defeated a pretender to his kingdom, Harald Hardrada of Norway at the Battle of Stamford Bridge and was in turn defeated by another pretender to his throne, William the Conqueror of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings. The author invites us to imagine the life of a peasant in southern England describing their life, universe and aspirations while also provides us with insights into the political considerations at the highest levels of the various kingdoms involved in this account. I felt that this top and bottom approach worked quite well, with the point of view of the common man grounding and framing the story and giving it substance. I also enjoyed the political elements – from the consolidation of Harold’s power, to the justification of the conquest, including the buy-in from the Pope. The contention that the reason for the invasion hinges on a promise made in a time of despair when Harold was shipwrecked in Ponthieu is amazing if true – but it is a conjecture, as rightly pointed out by the author. This book was short and sweet – offering a riveting account of a seminal year in England’s history. ( )