The Golden Warrior

This book is one of the greatest historical novels ever penned. Writing in a deliberately archaic style, the author uncannily evokes the atmosphere of 11th century England. The warrior in question is Harold Godwinsson, the last Saxon king of England who was killed at the battle of Hastings in 1066 by William of Normandy (he is usually known to history as "William the Conqueror", but I prefer his original sobriquet, "William the Bastard"). Even though you know how things turn out, you can't help rooting for Harold and when he dies in the battle, you are heartbroken. I often wonder what the world would be like today if Harold had won at Hastings. It's also puzzling to me that Shakespeare never wrote a play about a true tragic hero like show more Harold who was one of his own countrymen instead of a Scotsman like Macbeth who happened to be a contemporary of Harold. show less

A novel about the career of Harold Godwinson, covering much more than the climax at Hastings. It gets across very clearly the powerful position he and his family had in England well before he became king.