The Cambridge Companion To The Age Of William The Conqueror

Offers a comparative cultural history of north-western Europe in the crucial period of the eleventh century.

This Cambridge Companion offers readers a comparative cultural history of north-western Europe in the crucial period of the eleventh century: the age of William the Conqueror. Besides England, Normandy, and northern France, the volume also explores Scandinavia, the North Sea world, the insular world beyond the English Channel, and various parts of Continental Europe. This Companion features essays designed specifically for those wishing to advance their knowledge and understanding of this important period of European history using a holistic and contextual perspective, deliberately shifting the focus away from William the man and onto the rich and fascinating culture of the world in which he lived and ruled. This was not the age created by William, but the age that created him. With contributions by leading international experts, this volume provides an inclusive and innovative study companion that is both authoritative and timely.

Captures the dynamics and richness of this era by examining important aspects of the period.

This updated edition has been thoroughly revised to take account of recent scholarship and includes five new chapters.

"This "companion" is designed to introduce a range of materials deemed to constitute the culture (or, perhaps better, cultures) of medieval England, from approximately the Norman Conquest to roughly the Reformation. The fields presented here may offer a rather unusual fit with standard courses and disciplines, but the pressures on modern frameworks are intended. It is not unusual, however, for study of early periods to offer some combination of "literature," "history," "archaeology," "art history," or other field. Studies in antiquity and the Renaissance do this regularly; and medieval studies was from the outset defined in an equally capacious frame"--

Fifteen years in the making, a landmark reinterpretation of the life of a pivotal figure in British and European history In this magisterial addition to the Yale English Monarchs series, David Bates combines biography and a multidisciplinary approach to examine the life of a major figure in British and European history. Using a framework derived from studies of early medieval kingship, he assesses each phase of William’s life to establish why so many trusted William to invade England in 1066 and the consequences of this on the history of the so-called Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings and for generations to come. A leading historian of the period, Bates is notable for having worked extensively in the archives of northern France and discovered many eleventh- and twelfth-century charters largely unnoticed by English-language scholars. Taking an innovative approach, he argues for a move away from old perceptions and controversies associated with William’s life and the Norman Conquest. This deeply researched volume is the scholarly biography for our generation.

William's indefatigable ambition transcends castles, seas, and even kingdoms. His calculated actions and bold decisions alter the course of history, culminating in his ascension to the English throne. Experience the turbulent 11th century, a time when the clangor of swords and the cries of warriors were woven into the fabric of Europe. William's ascent to the throne, his decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings, and his efforts to consolidate power are vividly portrayed in this engaging historical narrative. Beyond the battlefield, the book delves into the societal changes, legal reforms, and cultural shifts that marked William's reign. Tappan's skillful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this book a compelling read for history lovers, students, and anyone intrigued by the life and legacy of one of England's most influential monarchs.

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