Well researched and written this is a must read for anyone interested in 1066 and the aftermath.

NetGalley, Shelly Myers

“The writing is concise, with many side bars to identify people, explain technical terms, and so forth, and each chapter ends with a recommended tour route. A very good book for anyone who knows little about the conquest, and one which even those well up on the subject may find interesting.”

The NYMAS Review

An excellent guidebook to the Battle of Hastings.

The subject covers an area of land and sea which has changed so much since 1066. The sea is now some two miles away from Pevensey Castle where William landed his fleet and this phenomenon is explained away as caused by strong tides and longshore drift; yes in part - but the main reason is seismic underground movement in the English Channel which raised both Romney Marsh and Pevensey Levels - where I live. The book's explanation of the progress of William's invasion force is also uncertain, believing that William moved his army by boat from Pevensey to Battle across a tidal and shallow bay; I tend to agree with local historians that he marched them there while burning and plundering local villages. The only other query which remains unresolved relates to the actual location of the battlefield. The scene surveyed by modern visitors make sense, it leads from high ground into a valley where the Normans allegedly drew up their battle lines before battle commenced, with Harold's army holding the high ground. Yet the ground has never been touched or farmed and no relics of a battle have ever been found. Electronic surveillance has also drawn a blank. Modern belief based of the finding of actual relics is a half-mile to the east on land now built on with a major road junction and roundabout - perhaps we'll never know.

Otherwise, the account is the best I have read; it is a superb overview of that dramatic year, in which England had four kings. It explains the complicated process of the politics of the time and how William believed he was the rightful King of England with Harold the usurper.

I learned much from this account which clarified the sequence of events leading to the Norman invasion and it also explores the post invasion period. The text is accompanied by excellent photographs.

I enjoyed the book and I commend it to anyone interested in this momentous year and the last successful invasion of England.

Dr Adrian Greaves, The Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society

1066 was truly the year that changed history in England, and this book takes a fresh look at the battles, giving the reader a deeper look into the campaigns.

With the tides turning, there is a lot of information that can easily feel overwhelming, but the authors take and break it down to where anyone, regardless of their knowledge of 1066 can understand and appreciate. If you appreciate history, and military maneuvers, then you are going to love this take on the campaigns that brought England a new king, and gave birth to a tapestry that is still talked about! Dive into the Bayeux Tapestry, the battles, and the men who fought the campaigns of 1066.

Perfect for a weekend read!

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill

Followers of Bernard Cornwell's Dark Ages series, The Last Kingdom, will be absolutely fascinated by Michael and Kelly's book, which fast forwards just a few years to the conquest of England by the Normans. Superbly illustrated.

Books Monthly

As featured on Army Rumour Service

Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

Gripping presentation of the persona of William, the pivotal Battle of Hastings, the geopolitical situation, ambitions and interests of 11th-century Anglo-Saxons, the bases and development of England as the world power for centuries to go, military history, history of normans.
I have to admit this was my first entry to the subject and as far as I see, there are many books on the subject, however, for a person, who is fairly acquainted with medieval world history, yet not too familiar with Anglo-Saxon history, this work is a great starting point and base to get an understanding, background powers, pivotal moments, as well as all the references to future victories and global visions.

NetGalley, AREVIK HEBOYAN

The book is a very useful compendium of perhaps more scientific books that analyze in depth situations and characters of that 1066. However, I believe that as a guide it is unbeatable in bringing the historian, the enthusiast or the simple curious on the trail of an event that changed the history of England and which consequently also changed that of the world.

Read the full Italian review here

Omne Ignotum Pro Magnifico

The book is also lavishly illustrated with colour photographs of locations, and it almost goes without saying that scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry are sprinkled throughout the text. All in all, this is an excellent little primer on 1066 and a first-class resource for those that want to follow in the footsteps of the victor and the vanquished.

Read the full review here

Beating Tsundoku

Good book to read before you go for a visit to view the sites of the battle, it'll also give you info you may forget after reading a more comprehensive book of events. Well researched. Kudos authors!

NetGalley, Catherine Hankins

This book gives an overview of the 3 battle events of 1066 Fulford gate, Stamford bridge and Hastings and you don't really have to be a historian to understand the book as its written in language which can be understood by a lay person. the book lays out events and history leading to 1066 as well.

NetGalley, Stephen Hutchison

A well researched and easy to read entry into the period immediately before, during and after the Norman Invasion of England in 1066.

Written so that even someone with no knowledge of events can follow with ease, Livingston and DeVries provide ample information without overwhelming the reader with a vast amount of information. What they do provide is an analysis of the events, battles and key players, whilst using separate text boxes for other key subject matters (ie: weapons, armies, tactics, etc). Each chapter includes or is finished with what the authors term as a "tour" of places and structures pivotal to the events.

The narrative is written simply yet informatively, utilising known chroniclers, the sagas, archaeological evidence, photos and maps to gently guide the reader. An extensive reading list concludes.

Definitely a book to be considered as a primer or introductory text for the Norman Invasion of 1066.

NetGalley, Melisende d'Outremer

An exceptional retelling of a pivotal moment in history. Incredibly well researched, the authors offer new information and insights even to those who are familiar with the Battle of Hastings. The writing itself is clear and accessible to any reader with an interest, avoiding academic pretensions which sometimes come with very focused history books.

NetGalley, Louise Gray

This book succeeds in conjoining the context for the major battles of 1066. It articulates these events not as separate but as part of a continuing series of power plays by those who wanted the riches of England; a process that had been ongoing after the settlement of the Saxons and other Germanic tribes in the vacuum left by Rome. It is an ideal companion to be slipped into a pocket on site. Good maps, good images and clear narrative. Personally, I would have liked a deeper discussion on the merits of alternative battle sites at Hastings, particularly Caldbec Hill, but that is probably best left for a more focused book. Overall a fine introduction to the 1066 campaigns.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy