When she was suddenly given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, journalist and archetypal Londoner Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: the happiest place on earth isn't Disneyland but Denmark, a land often thought of by foreigners as consisting entirely of long, dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries. What is the secret to their success? Are happy Danes born or made? Helen decides there is only one way to find out: she will give herself a year, trying to uncover the formula for Danish happiness. From child care, education, food and interior design to SAD, taxes, sexism and an unfortunate predilection for burning witches, The Year of Living Danishly is a funny, poignant record of a journey that shows us where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, and how we might just benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves. Helen Russell is a journalist and former editor of MarieClaire.co.uk. She now lives in rural Jutland and works as a Scandinavia correspondent for the Guardian as well as writing a column on Denmark for the Telegraph. Read more

A “thrilling” (Wall Street Journal) history of the Vikings by a pre-eminent scholar The Viking Age saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval writers, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more.Based on the latest archaeological and textual evidence, Children of Ash and Elm tells the story of the Vikings on their own terms: their politics, their cosmology and religion, their material world. Known today for a stereotype of maritime violence, the Vikings exported new ideas, technologies, and beliefs to the lands and peoples they encountered. From Eirík Bloodaxe, who fought his way to a kingdom, to Gudríd Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman in the world, Children of Ash and Elm is a remarkable history of the Vikings and their time. Read more

"[A] joyously peculiar book." (The New York Times)"Bjarnason’s intriguing book might be about a cold place, but it’s tailor-made to be read on the beach." (New Statesman) The untold story of how one tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic has shaped the world for centuries.The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel. Again and again, one humble nation has found itself at the frontline of historic events, shaping the world as we know it, How Iceland Changed the World paints a lively picture of just how it all happened. Read more

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Unravel the Secrets of Norse Mythology: Journey Through Legends of Gods, Heroes, and the Viking LegacyAs a passionate explorer of ancient tales and Viking heritage, you are about to embark on a mesmerizing odyssey through the captivating world of Norse mythology.However, navigating this realm can often feel like traversing a labyrinth, with myriad gods, creatures, and heroes intertwining in a complex tapestry of stories. The fragmented nature of these tales can leave you yearning for a cohesive narrative that ties it all together.Perhaps you've encountered challenges such as:Struggling to understand the roles and significance of the numerous Norse deities and legendary figuresTrying to grasp the profound wisdom and life lessons woven into these mythological storiesSeeking to unravel how these ancient myths relate to the historical context of the Viking Age and beyondFeeling overwhelmed by the depth and complexity of Norse mythology and its various interpretationsFear not, intrepid adventurer, for this book is your trusty guide. It is meticulously crafted to navigate you through the intricacies of Norse lore, revealing hidden gems of insight at every turn.Within these pages, you'll discover:A Comprehensive Journey Through Norse Cosmology: From the primordial void of Ginnungagap to the cataclysmic events of Ragnarök, experience a structured exploration of the Norse universe and its pivotal momentsIntimate Encounters with Legendary Gods and Goddesses: Delve into the psyches of Odin, Thor, Freyja, and Loki, among others, as their motivations, conflicts, and profound influences are laid bareUnveiling the Mythical Beings of the Norse Realm: Meet the giants, dwarves, elves, and other fascinating creatures that populate the Norse cosmos, each with their own unique attributes and rolesDecoding Timeless Tales of Heroism and Betrayal: Immerse yourself in the most iconic Norse sagas, from the tragic tale of Baldr to the trickery of Loki, extracting valuable life lessons and wisdomConnecting Myths to History: Discover how Norse mythology intertwined with the daily lives, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Viking people, leaving an indelible mark on their worldview and legacyExploring the Viking Influence and Legacy: Trace the impact of Norse mythology on Viking society, from religious rituals and art to the enduring fascination it holds in modern timesUnraveling the Symbolism and Mysteries of Runes: Step into the enigmatic world of runes, the ancient Norse alphabet imbued with magical significance, and learn their meanings and uses in divination and inscriptionsBy the end of this enthralling odyssey, you will possess not merely a collection of stories but a profound understanding of Norse mythology's depths, its historical roots, and its eternal relevance.Prepare to set sail on an unforgettable voyage. With this book as your compass, navigate the extraordinary realms of Norse legends, where gods walk among mortals, and destinies are forever shaped.Embark on this transformative journey today! Secure your copy and let the wisdom of the Norse gods guide you. Read more

For fans of provocative history and “Game of Thrones” alike, this revisionist narrative reveals how the little-known women of the Viking era shaped their world.Until Scandinavia converted to Christianity and came under the rule of powerful kings, the Vikings were a dominant force in the medieval world. Outfitted with wind-powered sailing ships, they left their mark, spreading terror across Europe, sacking cities, deposing kings, and ransacking entire economies. After the Vikings, the world was never the same.But as much as we know about this celebrated culture, there is a large missing piece: its women. All but ignored by contemporary European writers, these shadowy figures were thought to have played little part in the famous feats of the Vikings, instead remaining at home as wives, mothers, and homemakers.In this cutting-edge, revisionist portrait, renowned science journalist Heather Pringle turns those assumptions on their head, using the latest archaeological research and historical findings to reveal this group as they actually were. Members of a complex society rich in culture, courage, and a surprisingly modern gender ideology, the women of the Viking age were in fact forces to be reckoned with, serving as:SorceressesWarriorsTradersArtisansExplorersSettlersLandownersPower brokersQueensBoth ambitious and compelling, THE NORTHWOMEN is the true story of some of the most captivating figures of the Viking world—and what they reveal about the modern age. Read more

A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of 2024 A Kirkus Reviews Editor's Pick A “brilliantly written, brilliantly conceived” (Tom Holland) history of the Viking Age, from mighty leaders to rebellious teenagers, told through their runes and ruins, games and combs, trash and treasure.In imagining a Viking, a certain image springs to mind: a barbaric warrior, leaping ashore from a longboat, and ready to terrorize the hapless local population of a northern European town. Yet while such characters define our imagination of the Viking Age today, they were in the minority.Instead, in the time-stopping soils, water, and ice of the North, Eleanor Barraclough excavates a preserved lost world, one that reimagines a misunderstood society. By examining artifacts of the past―remnants of wooden gaming boards, elegant antler combs, doodles by imaginative children and bored teenagers, and runes that reveal hidden loves, furious curses, and drunken spouses summoned home from the pub―Barraclough illuminates life in the medieval Nordic world as not just a world of rampaging warriors, but as full of globally networked people with recognizable concerns.This is the history of all the people―children, enslaved people, seers, artisans, travelers, writers―who inhabited the medieval Nordic world. Encompassing not just Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, but also Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, Continental Europe, and Russia, this is a history of a Viking Age filled with real people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, as told through the traces that they left behind.“Embers of the hands” is a poetic kenning from the Viking Age that referred to gold. But no less precious are the embers that Barraclough blows back to life in this book―those of ordinary lives long past. 75 illus Read more

A deadly continental struggle, the Thirty Years War devastated seventeenth-century Europe, killing nearly a quarter of all Germans and laying waste to towns and countryside alike. Peter Wilson offers the first new history in a generation of a horrifying conflict that transformed the map of the modern world.When defiant Bohemians tossed the Habsburg emperor’s envoys from the castle windows in Prague in 1618, the Holy Roman Empire struck back with a vengeance. Bohemia was ravaged by mercenary troops in the first battle of a conflagration that would engulf Europe from Spain to Sweden. The sweeping narrative encompasses dramatic events and unforgettable individuals―the sack of Magdeburg; the Dutch revolt; the Swedish militant king Gustavus Adolphus; the imperial generals, opportunistic Wallenstein and pious Tilly; and crafty diplomat Cardinal Richelieu. In a major reassessment, Wilson argues that religion was not the catalyst, but one element in a lethal stew of political, social, and dynastic forces that fed the conflict.By war’s end a recognizably modern Europe had been created, but at what price? The Thirty Years War condemned the Germans to two centuries of internal division and international impotence and became a benchmark of brutality for centuries. As late as the 1960s, Germans placed it ahead of both world wars and the Black Death as their country’s greatest disaster.An understanding of the Thirty Years War is essential to comprehending modern European history. Wilson’s masterful book will stand as the definitive account of this epic conflict.For a map of Central Europe in 1618, referenced on page XVI, please visit this book’s page on the Harvard University Press website. Read more

The epic story of the brutal battle for Norway in 1940.The perfect book for fans of Ian Toll, Max Hastings, and Alex Kershaw.In this brief, untidy campaign that lasted just six weeks, all branches of the Allied military service united against the lightning-fast invasion that the Nazis had surprised them with. On an almost hourly basis, air battles, amphibious landings by troops, and monumental naval engagements took place.Donald Macintyre, the renowned military historian and escort commander, takes the reader to the heart of the battle, providing not just an overview but also provides fascinating details of the attack that left six German destroyers damaged within Narvik’s harbour, the sacrifice made by the damaged HMS Glowworm as it rammed the heavy-cruiser Admiral Hipper, the heroism displayed by one naval officer who worked tirelessly to evacuate the shore bases near Trondheim, and the final tragic loss of the carrier HMS Glorious.The Norwegian campaign that took place in the spring of 1940 is often overshadowed by later successful Allied operations in the European theatre: North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. Yet, although German forces surprised and ultimately held off the Allied counterattack, Captain Macintyre demonstrates why this is such an important campaign and how the Allies had to learn difficult lessons here before they were able to march on to victory.Narvik should be essential reading for anyone interested in the oft-overlooked campaign that took place during what was known as the ‘Phoney War’, proved a brutally eye-opening to the Allies, but taught them much about how to fight in the battles to come.‘Really first rate.’ Kirkus Reviews‘A book to set the blood tingling’ Evening News‘fascinating reading’ U.S. Naval Institute Read more

Want to travel back in time to the spellbinding Old Norse world—and find out how you can apply its ancient wisdom and magic to modern situations and problems? Then read on: This is the book for you!Runes—the cryptic letters of an Old Norse alphabet—are more than just a collection of dusty symbols from a bygone era.They’re powerful forces that have long been associated with magic and divination.Since ancient times, people have used them for guidance, and they’re still being used today.In fact, more and more people are discovering the mysterious power of runes and are incorporating them into their daily spiritual practices.Now YOU can too! In the pages of this book, you’ll learn about runes, the folklore surrounding them, and how you can unleash their power in your own life.With a little bit of know-how, you’ll soon be using runes to guide you through life’s difficulties and questions and point you toward the answers you’re seeking.Inside The Old Norse Spell Book, you’ll discover:The history and significance of Old Norse runesThe oldest runic alphabet, the Elder FutharkThe folklore and ancient stories surrounding runesHow runes are used for divination and magicHow runic magic is practiced in the modern worldAnd much, much more!Remember, runes don’t provide you with definitive answers or tell you exactly what’s going to happen.Instead, they provide valuable insight into your unique situation and the potential outcomes that may occur.If you don’t like the possible outcome a rune is hinting at, you can change direction and alter it: You’re in control.So, buy this book today and start sprinkling a little runic magic in your life! You’ll be glad you did. Read more

Our Troth is the single most comprehensive book ever published on the religious traditions of Heathenry: the pre-Christian religions of the Germanic-speaking peoples, revitalized as a living tradition for today. The third edition has been completely revised and updated from the book's original edition in 1993, drawing on the latest scholarship and on developments within the Heathen community. The first volume traces the history of ancient and modern Heathenry, from its most distant roots in the Stone Age, through the cultures of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Migration Period, and Viking Age, to its flowering today. Read more

The Christian Science Monitor's #1 Best Book of the YearA witty, informative, and popular travelogue about the Scandinavian countries and how they may not be as happy or as perfect as we assume, “The Almost Nearly Perfect People offers up the ideal mixture of intriguing and revealing facts” (Laura Miller, Salon).Journalist Michael Booth has lived among the Scandinavians for more than ten years, and he has grown increasingly frustrated with the rose-tinted view of this part of the world offered up by the Western media. In this timely book he leaves his adopted home of Denmark and embarks on a journey through all five of the Nordic countries to discover who these curious tribes are, the secrets of their success, and, most intriguing of all, what they think of one another.Why are the Danes so happy, despite having the highest taxes? Do the Finns really have the best education system? Are the Icelanders as feral as they sometimes appear? How are the Norwegians spending their fantastic oil wealth? And why do all of them hate the Swedes? In The Almost Nearly Perfect People Michael Booth explains who the Scandinavians are, how they differ and why, and what their quirks and foibles are, and he explores why these societies have become so successful and models for the world. Along the way a more nuanced, often darker picture emerges of a region plagued by taboos, characterized by suffocating parochialism, and populated by extremists of various shades. They may very well be almost nearly perfect, but it isn’t easy being Scandinavian. Read more

“An engaging, layered look into a culture complex enough both to produce stylish rain gear and to embrace the foul weather that necessitates it.” —The New York Times Book ReviewWe fill our homes with Nordic furniture; we envy their humane social welfare system and healthy outdoor lifestyle; we devour their crime fiction. Even their strangely attractive melancholia seems to express a stoic, commonsensical acceptance of life’s vicissitudes. But how valid is this outsider’s view of Scandinavia, and how accurate is our picture of life in Scandinavia today? Scandinavians follows a chronological progression across the Northern centuries: the Vendel era of Swedish prehistory; the age of the Vikings; the Christian conversions of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland; the unified Scandinavian state of the late Middle Ages; the sea-change of the Reformation; the kingdom of Denmark-Norway; King Gustav Adolphus and the age of Sweden’s greatness; the cultural golden age of Ibsen, Strindberg, and Munch; the impact of the Second World War; Scandinavia’s postwar social democratic nirvana; and the terror attack of Anders Behring Breivik. Scandinavians is also a personal investigation, with award-winning author Robert Ferguson as the ideal companion as he explores not only the region’s society, politics, culture, and temperament, but also wide-ranging topics such as the power and mystique of Scandinavian women, from the Valkyries to the Vikings; from Nora and Hedda to Garbo and Bergman. “A delightful history in which the author truly captures ‘the soul of the North.’ ”—Kirkus Reviews Read more

In AD 793 Norse warriors struck the English isle of Lindisfarne and laid waste to it. Wave after wave of Norse ‘sea-wolves’ followed in search of plunder, land, or a glorious death in battle. Much of the British Isles fell before their swords, and the continental capitals of Paris and Aachen were sacked in turn. Turning east, they swept down the uncharted rivers of central Europe, captured Kiev and clashed with mighty Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.But there is more to the Viking story than brute force. They were makers of law - the term itself comes from an Old Norse word - and they introduced a novel form of trial by jury to England. They were also sophisticated merchants and explorers who settled Iceland, founded Dublin, and established a trading network that stretched from Baghdad to the coast of North America.In The Sea Wolves, Lars Brownworth brings to life this extraordinary Norse world of epic poets, heroes, and travellers through the stories of the great Viking figures. Among others, Leif the Lucky who discovered a new world, Ragnar Lodbrok the scourge of France, Eric Bloodaxe who ruled in York, and the crafty Harald Hardrada illuminate the saga of the Viking age - a time which “has passed away, and grown dark under the cover of night”. Read more

Five manuscripts in one book:History of Sweden: A Captivating Guide to Swedish History, Starting from Ancient Times through the Viking Age and Swedish Empire to the PresentHistory of Norway: A Captivating Guide to Norwegian HistoryHistory of Denmark: A Captivating Guide to Danish HistoryHistory of Iceland: A Captivating Guide to the History of the Land of Fire and Ice, from the Viking Age to the PresentHistory of Finland: A Captivating Guide to Finnish HistoryIn contrast to their Danish and Norwegian cousins, Swedish Vikings traveled east rather than west in search of riches, land, and power. The extensive river systems of Russia provided economic and military “super-highways” to the adventurers from the north, who journeyed down them all the way to the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of fame and riches.In the first part of this book, you will discover:The Swedes’ fierce struggle to gain independenceThe “Father of Sweden,” King Gustav Vasa and his dynasty that spawned some of the greatest military minds in EuropeThe hero Raoul Wallenberg and his role in WWIINorway is a unique country located on the fringes of Europe. Its climate and geographical position determined the lifestyle of the people inhabiting it. It was never an easy life. The constant scarcity of arable land, the vast distances they had to traverse due to the myriad of fjords and mountains, and the long and harsh winters in the inland areas made Norwegians constantly struggle for a better life.In the second part of this book, you will discover:Where did the first Norwegians come from?How did the early Bronze Age societies live in the harsh environment of Scandinavia?When was oil was discovered in Norway, and what does it mean to its citizens today?For centuries, Denmark “punched above its weight” and was a major player on the European stage. Many know about the Danish Vikings and their voyages of conquest and discovery, but Denmark is more than just those medieval raiders and traders, even though interest in their adventures is at an all-time high today.In the third part of this book, you will discover:Does Denmark really appear in the top three of the world’s “happiest” countries?Were the Danish Vikings only interested in conquest? And what were their relations like with Europe before the Viking Age?What was life like for Danish Jews during WWII?Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has a storied history. After the Norse discovered Iceland, they began to settle it, allying the island nation with Norway. However, as power shifted in Scandinavia, Iceland would come to be governed by Denmark for several centuries.In the fourth part of this book, you will find:The Old Covenant with Norway and what that meant for IcelandThe conversion from paganism to ChristianityIceland’s struggle for independenceFinnish culture is centuries old, yet Finland itself has only been an independent nation for just over one hundred years. This book pulls back the curtain so you can get a better look at Finland’s history. Its history is exciting, even without the Vikings, and its proximity to Russia is something that is still talked about in the news today.In the fifth part of this book, you will find:The ancient Finnish did not worship the famous Norse gods like Thor and Odin.The history of Finland and Sweden are intertwined; Finland was part of Sweden for five hundred years!Finland was also part of the Russian Empire from 1809 to 1917.And much, much more!So, what are you waiting for? Click the “add to cart” button to begin learning about History of Scandinavia! Read more

As governments around the world acknowledge that there is an advanced presence visiting our Earth, apparently for a very long time, a reassessment is underway of ancient myths, religions and folk tales within the world’s cultures.VIKING SUPERPOWERS - WAY OF ASGARD takes you into the exciting world of Viking mythology, retranslating the oldest texts, and rediscovering the pictographic language and stories embedded in Bronze Age Scandinavian rock carvings and unusual artefacts, finding surprising evidence of high tech multicultural cities, star-bridges connecting ground bases to orbiting space stations, massive motherships, first hand accounts of humanoid beings flying air breathing (jet) aircraft, and even very powerful and wise ancient AI and anthromorphic robotics.Was the compiler of the Viking myths, Icelandic Chieftain and historian Snorri Sturluson, an agent of the medieval church, as so many experts believe, or a secretly heathen scholar dedicated to accurately preserving the oldest stories of the North? Were the Viking Gods, the Aesir, an advanced race from Türkiye who migrated from their base in Asgard, founding ruling dynasties throughout Europe and Scandinavia?Were they the Sky People, celebrated in Bronze Age rock carvings and artefacts from ancient Armenia all the way to Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland? Were the symbols of these Sky People, the 'Sunwheels' with a cross in a circle, representations of their great glowing ships that are still being witnessed to this day?What do newly discovered remains of the oldest human civilisation, near Lake Van in Türkiye, and their deities the Dingir, have to do with the Gods of the Vikings in the frozen North? VIKING SUPERPOWERS - WAY OF ASGARD answers these questions and much more, and reveals two practically unknown archeological finds that provide dramatic proof of ‘out of place’ ancient high tech, extraterrestrial biological entities, and even their star systems of origin."For deep insights into lost and misunderstood layers of Norse mythology, David Lovegrove provides essential reading. An exciting and authoritative new voice in this fascinating field."Paul Wallis - Author of The Eden Series Read more

Dive into a spellbinding journey through Norse mythology! This book is your compass to a world where ancient myths are the cultural heritage's fabric. From the creation myths surrounding the mighty Ymir to the tales of gods like Odin and Thor, this audiobook invites you into the heart of Viking lore.Explore the cosmic drama of creation, from the void of Ginnungagap to the birth of Ymir, setting the stage for Norse mythology.Uncover the roles of the Aesir and Vanir, including gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja.Delve into the Nine Realms, connected by Yggdrasil, revealing their secrets and splendor.Discover tales of legendary beings such as the Jötnar, Elves, and Dwarfs.Gain insights into the Poetic and Prose Eddas, essential for understanding Norse lore.Don't feel overwhelmed by the complexity of these myths. Our narrative style ensures the profound depth of these ancient stories is both accessible and enjoyable. Embark on a journey that transforms ancient myths into a captivating experience. Let the timeless tales of Norse enchant, enlighten, and empower you.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

One of The New York Times Book Review's Ten Best Books of 2015 and a New York Times bestseller, and now the basis for the Netflix film 22 July, from acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass Widely acclaimed as a masterpiece, Åsne Seierstad’s One of Us is essential reading for a time when mass killings are so grimly frequent. On July 22, 2011, Anders Behring Breivik detonated a bomb outside the Norwegian prime minister's office in central Oslo, killing eight people. He then proceeded to a youth camp on the wooded island of Utøya, where he killed sixty-nine more, most of them teenage members of the country's governing Labour Party. In One of Us, the journalist Åsne Seierstad tells the story of this terrible day and its reverberations. How did Breivik, a gifted child from an affluent neighborhood in Oslo, become Europe's most reviled terrorist? How did he accomplish an astonishing one-man murder spree? And how did a famously peaceful and prosperous country cope with the slaughter of so many of its young? As in her international bestseller The Bookseller of Kabul, Seierstad excels at the vivid portraiture of lives under stress. She delves deep into Breivik's childhood, showing how a hip-hop and graffiti aficionado became a right-wing activist, a successful entrepreneur, and then an Internet game addict and self-styled master warrior who believed he could save Europe from the threat of Islam and multiculturalism. She writes with equal intimacy about Breivik's victims, tracing their political awakenings, teenage flirtations and hopes, and ill-fated journeys to the island. By the time Seierstad reaches Utøya and relates what happened there, we know both the killer and those he will kill. In the book's final act, Seierstad describes Breivik's tumultuous public trial. As Breivik took the stand and articulated his ideas, an entire country debated whether he should be deemed insane, and asked why a devastating sequence of police errors allowed one man to do so much harm. One of Us is at once a psychological study of violent extremism, a dramatic true crime procedural, and a compassionate inquiry into how a privileged society copes with homegrown evil. Lauded in Scandinavia for its literary merit and moral poise, One of Us is the true story of one of our age's most tragic events. Read more

An essential new history of Central Europe that “deftly unravels the strands of a long and complex past” (Wall Street Journal)    Central Europe has long been infamous as a region beset by war, a place where empires clashed and world wars began. In The Middle Kingdoms, Martyn Rady offers the definitive history of the region, demonstrating that Central Europe has always been more than merely the fault line between West and East. Even as Central European powers warred with their neighbors, the region developed its own cohesive identity and produced tremendous accomplishments in politics, society, and culture. Central Europeans launched the Reformation and Romanticism, developed the philosophy of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and advanced some of the twentieth century’s most important artistic movements.     Drawing on a lifetime of research and scholarship, The Middle Kingdoms tells as never before the captivating story of two thousand years of Central Europe’s history and its enduring significance in world affairs. Read more

Discover the remarkable history of the Norman Conquest...Free BONUS Inside!Few military conquests lead to truly lasting cultural, political, religious, or societal change. Countries are often occupied by stronger nations, but as those inevitably decline, independence is reasserted and the country usually resumes its previous form. One exception to that is the Norman Conquest of England which took place between 1066 and 1071. At the Battle of Hastings, Duke William of Normandy led his forces to victory over the Anglo-Saxon King Harold II and then suppressed several attempts at rebellion. Within five short years, England was transformed into a nation of Anglo-Saxon peasants ruled by a Norman king and nobles.Over time, the two cultures gradually became assimilated to form something entirely new, a concept of England and Englishness based on a melding of Anglo-Saxon and Norman influences. The influence of that change can still be seen in Britain today in the form of culture, architecture, laws, and even a unique language that draws from both these sources. It can be argued that the creation of modern Britain can be traced back directly to the Norman Conquest, and many historians herald this as one of the seminal events in European and world history. This is the story of the Norman Conquest.Discover a plethora of topics such asThe English-Norman ConnectionA Contested SuccessionThe Viking InvasionThe Normans Arrive in EnglandThe Battle of HastingsConquest of the NorthAnd much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on the Norman Conquest, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access! Read more