by Gareth Williams (Author), Gareth Williams (Author), Peter Dennis (Illustrator)
In the two centuries before the Norman invasion of England, Anglo-Saxon and Viking forces clashed repeatedly in bloody battles across the country. Repeated Viking victories in the 9th century led to their settlement in the north of the country, but the tide of war ebbed and flowed until the final Anglo-Saxon victory before the Norman Conquest. Using stunning artwork, this book examines in detail three battles between the two deadly foes: Ashdown in 871 which involved the future Alfred the Great; Maldon in 991 where an Anglo-Saxon army sought to counter a renewed Viking threat; and Stamford Bridge in 1066, in which King Harold Godwinesson abandoned his preparations to repel the expected Norman invasion in order to fight off Harald Hard-Counsel of Norway. Drawing upon historical accounts from both English and Scandinavian sources and from archaeological evidence, Gareth Williams presents a detailed comparison of the weaponry, tactics, strategies and underlying military organization of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and considers the developments which took place on both sides in the two centuries of Viking incursions into Anglo-Saxon England.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 80
Edition: 1
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 24 Aug 2017
ISBN 10: 1472818326
ISBN 13: 9781472818324
Book Overview: An absorbing study of Viking and Anglo-Saxon warriors at three pivotal battles of the Early Medieval era - Ashdown, Maldon and Stamford Bridge - as they fought for control of pre-Norman England. It will appeal to any enthusiast of the Viking age or medieval warfare.