William The Conqueror

Twelve English Statesmen

by Edward Augustus Freeman

William The Conqueror is a historical biography written by E.A. Freeman, which chronicles the life and reign of William I, the first Norman King of England. The book explores William's early life as the illegitimate son of Duke Robert of Normandy, his rise to power as the conqueror of England in the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and his subsequent reign as King of England until his death in 1087. Freeman provides a detailed account of William's military campaigns, his efforts to consolidate power in England, and his struggles with rebellions and uprisings. He also delves into William's personal life, including his relationships with his family and his efforts to establish a stable dynasty. The book is a comprehensive and engaging account of one of the most significant figures in English history, providing valuable insights into the politics, culture, and society of medieval England.E. A. Freemen's account of the events before and after the Battle of Hastings, and the man behind it.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: History, Biography, British Literature

114 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2010

About the author

English historian, architectural artist, and Liberal politician, as well as a one-time candidate for Parliament. He held the position of Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford.

Reviews

[Tweety · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2

I admit I went into this fully intending to enjoy it, and I did. Freeman paints a realist portrait of William the Great, maybe it is a tad rosy, maybe he really was just and intelligent. I like that at the bottom of nearly every page there were extensive footnotes giving you extra details on the history of a particular person, event or debate.

If there were doubts on some part of the narrative the book said so. (It gave the whys and wherefores of the situation as it is known) It may be outdated, I couldn't say as it's the only book I have read on William, but that it is well written I can say and though it's more an overview of his life, it is not a rushed overview. I feel that I can recommend it as it isn't dry, waffley or bogged down with details. I knocked a half star off as I would have liked a bit more of his personal history, his wife Matilda is mentioned exactly four perhaps five times, and as they had several children I would have liked to at least know when those children where born, what their name's were and so on. Yes, I would reread it.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an interesting read, as most people I had rough information about William the Conqueror before reading, and this book gave further insight into not just his conquest but his life and what made him who he was. It takes you through the events leading up to the conquest, the conquest, the times of his reign as King of England and then finishes on his death. It gave a lot of information I was was unaware of, however I found it a hard read, a bit heavy (which you'd expect) I'd have to read in sessions with gaps in-between but the hardest points were when for the most part the book is in chronological order which helps it flow but then at points it jump about for example one chapter was talking about events in 1081 and then it would start discussing events that occured in 1071 made it hard to separate the events discussed.

[William Dicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly not a hagiography of William the Conqueror. This book points to his greatness, and to his flaws. It shows how the foundations that he laid, helped towards the greatness of England centuries later.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives you the known information, and the legends, and the possibilities of truth in them. I read this right before seeing the Bayeux Tapestry and found it added to the experience

[Jaimie Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about history that is tied to my family.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Must confess to skipping numerous paragraphs of this biography. With it being relatively short I’d hoped for a concise and engaging account of one of my country’s most famous kings, but instead I found it dull and rambling.

Like many nineteenth-century biographers, the author always opts for the passive voice, never the active: “The Welsh expedition of William” as opposed to “William’s Welsh expedition” and “The mind of William” instead of “William’s mind”.

This doesn’t make for smooth reading. In fact, “The country of Matilda”, as opposed to “Matilda’s country”, carries the ambiguity that in the 1000s there was a country called Matilda.

I’m sure there are more modern biographies available on William the Conqueror, so only read this one if you want a freebie.

[Calahir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book for British people or others interested in the story of William or the period. Not that enjoyable for people unfamiliar with the topic.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting read