The Battle of Hastings 1066 [Paperback]

M. K. Lawson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2002

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 19th century, and that we should not necessarily believe what we see. 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.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Choice Outstanding Academic Title.” -- Choice

“Blows away many fundamental assumptions about the Battle of Hastings… an exciting and indispensable read” -- David Bates, author of William the Conqueror

“Highest recommendation. A marvelous text for classes in medieval military history and historiography.” -- Choice --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Tempus Pub Ltd; First Edition edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752419986
• ISBN-13: 978-0752419985
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,562,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, refreshing detail look, October 30, 2004

By 

lordhoot "lordhoot" (Anchorage, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Battle of Hastings 1066 (Battles & Campaigns) (Hardcover)

I found Lawson's book to be quite interesting and refreshing. Its a whole new look at Battle of Hasting. The author does this by reassessing all the sources of the battle including the Bayeux Tapestry, previous books written on the battle and by drawing his own conclusion based on what he have learned. In doing this, the author have determined that perhaps, the armies were larger then initially believed, Norman cavalry may not have play that much of a role in the battle and King Harold probably didn't died from an arrow in his eye. There are more of course but it would be easier if you read the book yourself.

The book rested basically on the author's own interpretation of the campaign but it appears to be well researched and well written material. The main source of the battle, the Bayeux Tapestry gets an indepth look and it may be that it didn't get all the facts right.

Interesting book, well recommended for anyone who got any interest in mediveal warfare or English history in general. For anyone out there who got a great interest in the battle itself, this would be a "must read" material.