The Norman Conquest: A New Introduction

This is an excellent introduction to the Conquest, covering the ground succinctly and authoritatively, with a good bibliography.Huscroft emphasises the efficiency of the Conqueror's personal leadership, the scale of the English and Danish challenge during 1067-72, and the brutally firm dominance of William II and Henry I, following in their father's footsteps. The implication is that the astonishingly effective takeover of England by a mere 8,000 Normans (including assorted allies) was a relatively close run thing - from the Battle of Hastings onwards.William was so confident - and good at delegation - that he was able to spend at least 75% of his time after 1072 in Normandy, battling to keep and expand his domain there in the French heartland. The Domesday Book was a masterly means of controlling and taxing his subjects even better, and ensuring the thorough imposition of exacting feudalism.The author also emphasises the effectiveness of the Anglo-Saxon administration and taxation system, taken over and improved by William, which he and his successors used to 'fleece' the population to provide the necessary funds to pay for his military fighting machine.

Looks good. Ordered for a history course on the Normans. Recommended by tutor.

My son is studying history at A level, and having been shown the book by his teacher, he instantly asked whether we could order it. It was somewhat expensive, but I hope will be worth the cost.

A very factual book covering all aspects of the Norman Conquest. Only briefly touching on the events of 1066, the book focuses on the political and economic forces that shaped pre and post Conquest Britain up to the middle of the 12th century. A very good general introduction to the politics and issues of the period.