Product Description

William the Conqueror was a formidable personality, whose political imagination and ruthless will were the driving force of the Norman Conquest of England. In this biography, David Bates describes the full scope of William's achievements in both Normandy and England, setting them firmly in the context of Europe in an age of change and turmoil. William showed himself to be an outstanding soldier and an extremely effective ruler, who combined great fortitude with an unbending insistence on his own authority. He was also cruel, greedy, and intolerant--a man who pitilessly stamped out opposition and shamelessly manipulated facts to justify dubious enterprises.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #184318 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 287 pages

BBC History Magazine
‘As expertly woven as the Bayeux Tapestry… Stitching together William’s life, actions and personality.’

History
‘no one is better qualified than David Bates… to interpret King William’s character… controversial in many places.’

Customer Reviews

OK for the Ignoramus
I expected great things from this book as I had never read a full scale biography of the Conqueror. But I was taken in by the arresting extract of the opening page. I thought I was going to learn a lot more about William's mother & upbringing. But I did'nt. What followed set the whole tone of the book by the repetitive phrase "We do not really know..." In short I foumd I already knew as much about William as the author. In compensation I realised that,over many years,I had picked up in a fragmentasry way all that is known about William's story.
The author's style is acceptable and competent. This is a good book for those who do not know anything about William The Conqueror.
Indeed for them it could be an absorbing story. But for me.

"William the Conqueror"
A very readable book in all sences.

No need for any further report

Just buy if this is your subject.

L J Sicheri