The Saxon and Norman Kings (Blackwell Classic Histories of England) [Hardcover]

Christopher N. L. Brooke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0631231307 | ISBN-13: 978-0631231301 | Edition: 3

This classic exploration of the history of English kings and kingship from the sixth to the twelfth century has now been brought up-to-date for a new generation of readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"this classic exploration of the history of English kings and kingship from the sixth to the twelfth centuries..." Bollettino del centro internazionale promozione editoriale

"Brooke romps through the exceptionally long period 450-1154, and his treatment is highly intelligent, witty, and jokey ... a most attractive and learned jeu d'esprit." English Histroical Review

From the Back Cover

First published in 1963, this classic exploration of the history of English kings and kingship from the sixth to the twelfth centuries has now been updated for a new generation of readers. A prologue has been added summarizing changes in modern knowledge and underlining the difference between the history of the 'English people', a phrase of the sixth century, and the kingdom of the English, which only came of age in the tenth. An entirely new chapter discusses queens, including St Margaret, who became queen of Scotland. The bibliography has also been completely revised.

As in previous editions, one of the books most important features is that it is written from the sources inviting readers to reconstruct the story for themselves by engaging in a series of enquiries into, for example, the nature of king-making, the origins of the English kingdoms, and the meaning of the Bayeux tapestry.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 3 edition (December 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631231307
• ISBN-13: 978-0631231301
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,609,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lively Study, May 30, 2006

By 

Readalots (South Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Saxon and Norman Kings (Blackwell Classic Histories of England) (Paperback)

"The Saxon and Norman Kings" (2001 hardback) is an interesting and informative inquiry into medieval English rulers. Early on author Christopher Brooke admits that many of the earliest chieftains "are rarely more than a name; but as the centuries pass we find some who have left their mark..." in the pages of history (page 17). The book is well documented with many maps, black and white photos, charts and drawings (but surprisingly few footnotes and no endnotes). It concludes with four helpful royal genealogical tables prior to an extensive index.

Starting with the implosion of Roman Britain (about AD 400) Brooke systematically describes the reign of the Saxon and Norman kings. Originally, English kingship ascended from various regional tribal leaders. It is difficult to say who was the first powerful king (chieftains such as Egbert of Wessex, Ecgfrith of Mercia, Ethelbert of Kent, etc., might vie for the title). This history moves from the earliest Celtic and Saxon chieftains to the final days of Norman King Stephen (1154).

Professor Brooke points out that England's early kings were chosen, but not necessarily elected, by area elites. The "king" then took on the task of protecting the realm from foreign invasion. Later, he learned to levy taxes and lead a growing baronial class. (A woman might be chosen, at least early on, as queen. Sometimes, the queen ascended to power at the death of her kingly husband.)

Brooke speaks to Saxon, and later Norman, realm building. He relates palace, chancery, church, and priory construction. He talks about tax collection and administration. He recounts several important battles (Mount Badon about AD 500, Winwood in 654, and Hastings in 1066) and various royal intellectual pursuits (Alfred ordered his army learn to read for understanding written orders during war, Offa engineered a extant dyke along the River Wye, and Oswiu's convocation of the Synod in Whitby to decide the date of Easter). Medieval English monarchial history is a lively study.

The book offers 13 chapters over 219 pages. Brooke writes this history is a non-technical fashion. His style is instructive and attractive. You won't want to put this book down. The history buff and the general reader alike will find it interesting and informative. It is recommend to all with an interest in medieval royal history.