Customer Reviews

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

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"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.