The Battle of Hastings - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752441779 ISBN 13: 9780752441771

Publisher: Tempus Publishing Ltd

Synopsis

1066 remains the most evocative date in English history: King Harold was defeated by William the Conqueror, and the rule of England passed abruptly from the control of Saxon to that of Norman kings. M.K. Lawson re-writes this pivotal turning point in English history by subjecting the sources to the most detailed analysis ever undertaken. As a result, the consensus of opinion about many aspects of the battle, established in the late nineteenth century (and hardly questioned since), is shattered. Many of the facts about the battle have been deduced from the Bayeux Tapestry. M.K. Lawson takes a critical new look at this vital source subjecting it to a searching analysis. His conclusions are explosive. He advances powerful reasons for believing that the figure long accepted as being Harold hit in the eye by an arrow was originally simply one of the king's bodyguards throwing a spear. He also suggests that far more troops were involved than previously believed, operating over a significantly larger area and deploying more sophisticated tactics.

About this title

From the Publisher:

1066 remains the most evocative date in English history, when Harold was defeated by William the Conqueror and England changed overnight from Saxon to Norman rule. It has long been believed that, according to the Bayeux Tapestry, Harold was shot in the eye by an arrow. M. K. Lawson argues that the tapestry was badly restored in the nineteenth century and that we should not necessarily believe what we see there. He goes to sources that depict the tapestry before that restoration and reveals some breathtaking insights which will revolutionize the way we view both the battle and the death of England’s last Saxon king.

Part of the Battles and Campaigns series, edited by Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of the History of War at the University of Oxford.

M. K. Lawson is History Master at St. Paul’s school in Barnes, London. His next book, Cnut: King of England 1016­35, will be published by Tempus. He lives in London.

Review:

Original hardback edition published in 2003 was widely reviewed and received critical acclaim: A BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE Book of the Year 2003; 'Blows away many fundamental assumptions about the battle of Hastings... an exciting and indispensable read' PROFESSOR DAVID BATES, author of William the Conqueror. More praise: 'The definitive book on this famous battle' THE JOURNAL OF MILITARY HISTORY; 'Thorough and well-written... well suited to a general readership' ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW; 'If you thought you knew it all when it came to the most famous battle in English history, think again' LIVING HISTORY.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tempus Publishing Ltd
• ISBN 10: 0752441779
• ISBN 13: 9780752441771
• Binding: Paperback