Until Scandinavia converted to Christianity and came under the rule of powerful kings, the Vikings were a dominant force in the medieval world. Outfitted with wind-powered sailing ships, they left their mark, spreading terror across Europe, sacking cities, deposing kings, and ransacking entire economies. After the Vikings, the world was never the same.

But as much as we know about this celebrated culture, there is a large missing piece: its women. All but ignored by contemporary European writers, these shadowy figures were thought to have played little part in the famous feats of the Vikings, instead remaining at home as wives, mothers, and homemakers.

In this cutting-edge, revisionist portrait, renowned science journalist Heather Pringle turns those assumptions on their head, using the latest archaeological research and historical findings to reveal this group as they actually were. Members of a complex society rich in culture, courage, and a surprisingly modern gender ideology, the women of the Viking age were in fact forces to be reckoned with, serving as:

• Sorceresses
• Warriors
• Traders
• Artisans
• Explorers
• Settlers
• Landowners
• Power brokers
• Queens

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England's monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects' destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history--and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be--and who is to blame.

The past is a foreign country. This is your guidebook. A time machine has just transported you back into the fourteenth century. What do you see? How do you dress? How do you earn a living and how much are you paid? What sort of food will you be offered by a peasant or a monk or a lord? And more important, where will you stay?

The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England is not your typical look at a historical period. This radical new approach shows us that the past is not just something to be studied; it is also something to be lived.

Through the use of daily chronicles, letters, household accounts, and poems of the day, Mortimer transports you back in time, providing answers to questions typically ignored by traditional historians. You will learn how to greet people on the street, what to use as toilet paper, why a physician might want to taste your blood, and how to know whether you are coming down with leprosy.

The result is the most astonishing social history book you're ever likely to read: revolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining in its detail, and startling for its portrayal of humanity in an age of violence, exuberance, and fear.

For too long, the eighth century has been a neglected era in British history: a shadow land between the death of Saint Bede and the triumphs of King lfred and the eventual unification of England.

But before the victories of King lfred against the Viking invaders, the kingdom of Mercia--spread across a broad swathe of central England--was the reigning power that exercised central political authority for the first time since the Roman Empire. This authority was used to construct trading networks and markets; to develop strong economic, cultural, and political links with the Continent; and to lay the foundations for a system of defense that would be invigorated and reinvented by lfred at the end of the ninth century.

Two kings, thelbald (716-757) and Offa (757-796), dominated the political landscape of the rising power of Mercia. During their reigns, monasteries became powerhouses of royal patronage, economic enterprise, and trade. Offa constructed his grandiose dyke along the borders of the warlike Welsh Kingdoms and, more subtly, spread his message of political superiority through coinage bearing his image. But thelbald and Offa between them built something with an even more substantial legacy--a geography of medieval England. And these two kings engineered a set of tensions between kingship, landholding, and the church that were to play out dramatically at the dawn of the Viking Age.

In this illuminating history of Early Medieval Britain, Max Adams reconnects the worlds of the three kings-- thelbald, Offa, and lfred--in an absorbing study of the landscape, society, and politics of a fascinating century of change.

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England's monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects' destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history--and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be--and who is to blame.

Sixteen hundred years ago Britain left the Roman Empire and swiftly fell into ruin. Grand cities and luxurious villas were deserted and left to crumble, and civil society collapsed into chaos. Into this violent and unstable world came foreign invaders from across the sea, and established themselves as its new masters.

The Anglo-Saxons traces the turbulent history of these people across the next six centuries. It explains how their earliest rulers fought relentlessly against each other for glory and supremacy, and then were almost destroyed by the onslaught of the vikings. It explores how they abandoned their old gods for Christianity, established hundreds of churches and created dazzlingly intricate works of art. It charts the revival of towns and trade, and the origins of a familiar landscape of shires, boroughs and bishoprics. It is a tale of famous figures like King Offa, Alfred the Great and Edward the Confessor, but also features a host of lesser known characters - ambitious queens, revolutionary saints, intolerant monks and grasping nobles. Through their remarkable careers we see how a new society, a new culture and a single unified nation came into being.

Drawing on a vast range of original evidence - chronicles, letters, archaeology and artefacts - renowned historian Marc Morris illuminates a period of history that is only dimly understood, separates the truth from the legend, and tells the extraordinary story of how the foundations of England were laid.

De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae is a work written in Latin by the 6th-century AD British cleric St Gildas. It is a sermon in three parts condemning the acts of Gildas' contemporaries, both secular and religious, whom he blames for the dire state of affairs in sub-Roman Britain.

This fascinating hardback guide examines of one of the most important eras in history, the Middle Ages, spanning the breadth of the globe and illustrated throughout with brilliant full-color illustrations.

Often misconceived as a dark 'between-time' between the ancient and modern eras, the Middle Ages was in fact a period of radical transformation. Professor of Medieval History Phyllis G. Jestice gives a fascinating overview of this incredible period across the world, bringing to life the personalities, the technologies, the politics and the culture that defined this period in the development of the world we know today.

Includes:
- The rise of Christianity
- The astounding advances in the sciences and the arts in the Islamic world
- How economic powerhouses developed in Africa and powerful states arose in the Americas
- How trade flourished throughout central Asia and China in the form of the Silk Roads
- The terrifying depredations of the Mongol invasions,
- The crusades and other conflicts of Europe that marked a so-called era of 'chivalry'.

Brought to life with spectacular full-color artwork, maps, timelines and more, this visual history is a wonderful overview of this crucial era.

Saint Gildas, in his famous fierce discourse, describes the fate of Britain after the Romans. The text is one of the most important sources for British history in the Late Antiquity period. The English translation by J. A. Giles has been newly and attractively typeset for this edition.

This children's history of the British Isles begins with the early tribal legends of Albion, and takes us through the Roman period, the Dark Ages, Medieval times, and the Tudor, Stuart and later monarchs.

A delightful and compelling narration of Britain's lengthy history, Our Island Story is written with the younger reader in mind. It summarizes the most famous deeds that happened across a long time, telling of the great men and women who left their mark on the culture and destiny of the British Isles. The brave defiance of Boudicca of the Iceni tribe versus the Romans; the valiant spirit of Richard Lionheart who led the Third Crusade; and the benevolent wisdom of Queen Elizabeth the first; whose long reign saw England reach new artistic heights while fending off the maritime rival of Spain.

In the earlier chapters, H. E. Marshall mixes legend and folklore with the factual events, allowing young readers to appreciate how rich storytelling itself shaped the attitudes of British people and their leaders. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are the principle example; their valiant deeds in an ancient England would inspire many actual monarchs, since Arthurian legends were very famous in Medieval society. Though this narration is organized by the reigning monarchs, we also hear of the country's many influential artists, explorers, scientists and military heroes through the ages.

Famous Men of the Middle Ages features attractive biographical sketches of thirty-five of the most prominent characters in the history of the Middle Ages, from the barbarian invasions to the invention of the printing press. Each story in this book by John Haaren is told in a clear, simple manner, and is well calculated to awaken and stimulate the youthful imagination. Notable characters featured in Famous Men of the Middle Ages include Attila the Hun, Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, Frederick Barbarossa, Marco Polo, and William Tell. This book also includes a chapter about one woman: Joan of Arc. This book provides a great introduction to the Middle Ages, not only for children, but for adults who missed out on studying some of the more fascinating figures during this time period. John Haaren, who also wrote Famous Men of Greece, Famous Men of Rome, and Famous Men of the Middle Ages, was an American educator and historian. Haaren's father was German and his mother Irish. He studied under Professor N. M. Butler at Columbia University, 1889-91, before becoming a teacher in New York. In 1907 he became Associate Superintendent of Schools in New York, increasing the number and efficiency of kindergartens and starting classes to teach English to foreigners. He was president of the department of pedagogy in the Brooklyn Institute. Haaren High School which was located in Manhattan named in his honor. The Charles B. J. Snyder-designed school, which was initially De Witt Clinton High School, is now Haaren Hall on the campus of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

If you want to discover the captivating history of the War of 1812, then keep reading...

Among all of the conflicts that took place in American history, the War of 1812 is one of the most unique wars that helped to shape many of the important American milestones in the years to come. It was also a battle of surprises and irony as well--firstly, the weaknesses of both parties ultimately ended up being their respective strengths in the two years of constant fighting that started off in 1812.

Secondly, the War of 1812 was the most pointless series of conflicts for the parties involved, as the geographical borders ultimately reverted back to what they were before the war, meaning all the resources and manpower that was used or lost during the fighting was all for naught. The War of 1812 was a local war between Canada (which was still under British authority) and the US, as well as a part of the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. In a way, the War of 1812 was a byproduct of the prominent Napoleonic Wars, which was fought mainly in Europe.

In The War of 1812: A Captivating Guide to the Military Conflict between the United States of America and Great Britain That Started during the Napoleonic Wars, you will discover topics such as

• Prelude to the War
• Key Players and Statistics of the War of 1812
• Timeline of the War of 1812
• The War of 1812- The Invasion of Canada
• The War of 1812- The Taming of the West
• The War of 1812- The Creek War
• The War of 1812- Naval Battles of the War of 1812
• And much, much more

So if you want to learn more about the War of 1812, scroll up and click the add to cart button

If you want to discover the enthralling history of medieval England, then keep reading...

Knights, monks, kings, plague, war, Vikings, revolts, and so much more appear in the six hundred or so years known as the medieval period of English history. Our culture has romanticized many of these elements, and the Middle Ages has become full of stereotypes and tropes that appear again and again in movies, books, and even in our imaginations. But what was it really like?

This book will separate the myth from reality and reveal what you know about medieval England and what you only think you know. It covers a sweeping overview of the period and dives into many of the fascinating facts and stories that have made people love the Middle Ages for so long.

In this book, you'll learn about:

• How England got started
• What it took to be the best and worst English king
• Why you wouldn't want to be a peasant in the Middle Ages
• How one of the greatest catastrophes in human history, the Black Death, unfolded
• The harsh punishments that kept the peace
• How the church became the most powerful organization of the period
• Why armored cavalry stopped being used in battles
• What medieval people did for fun
• And much, much more!

Scroll up and click the add to cart button to learn about the incredible medieval period of English history!

Parish churches were at the heart of English religious and social life in the Middle Ages and the sixteenth century. In this comprehensive study, Nicholas Orme shows how they came into existence, who staffed them, and how their buildings were used. He explains who went to church, who did not attend, how people behaved there, and how they--not merely the clergy--affected how worship was staged.

The book provides an accessible account of what happened in the daily and weekly services, and how churches marked the seasons of Christmas, Lent, Easter, and summer. It describes how they celebrated the great events of life: birth, coming of age, and marriage, and gave comfort in sickness and death. A final chapter covers the English Reformation in the sixteenth century and shows how, alongside its changes, much that went on in parish churches remained as before.

Winters in the World is a beautifully observed journey through the cycle of the year in Anglo-Saxon England, exploring the festivals, customs, and traditions linked to the different seasons. Drawing on a wide variety of source material, including poetry, histories, and religious literature, Eleanor Parker investigates how Anglo-Saxons felt about the annual passing of the seasons and the profound relationship they saw between human life and the rhythms of nature. Many of the festivals celebrated in the United Kingdom today have their roots in the Anglo-Saxon period, and this book traces their surprising history while unearthing traditions now long forgotten. It celebrates some of the finest treasures of medieval literature and provides an imaginative connection to the Anglo-Saxon world.

In a sweeping account of England's transformation, this medieval chronicle captures the struggles, triumphs, and spiritual awakening of the Anglo-Saxon world. Rich with tales of kings, warriors, and missionaries, it details the arrival of Christianity and its profound impact on the land's divided kingdoms. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous historical records, the narrative weaves together legendary figures, political intrigue, and divine miracles that shaped the course of English history. With a blend of scholarship and faith, it offers a compelling glimpse into a world on the brink of cultural and religious unity.

As one of the earliest and most influential histories of England, Ecclesiastical History of the English People shaped the way the nation's past was recorded and understood. Blending historical fact with religious insight, it provides a rare glimpse into the early medieval world, chronicling the spread of Christianity and the rise of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Its detailed accounts of rulers, saints, and pivotal events became the foundation for later historians, preserving a crucial era of transformation. More than just a chronicle, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping cultural and national identity.

Embark on an Epic Journey Through England's Fascinating History

Two manuscripts in one book:

The Anglo-Saxons: An Enthralling Overview of the People and History of England from the Early Middle Ages to the Battle of HastingsMedieval England: An Enthralling Overview of the English Middle Ages

In the first part of this book, you will discover:

The Fall of Roman Britain: How the departure of Roman legions left a power vacuum filled by new settlers.Mass Migrations: How the arrival and settlement of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes transformed the English landscape.Christian Conversion: The pivotal role of missionaries like Augustine of Canterbury in converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.Rising Kingdoms: The formation and rise of powerful kingdoms such as Mercia and Wessex.Viking Invasions: The fierce Viking raids and the establishment of the Danelaw.Alfred the Great: The legendary king's resistance against the Viking conquest and his lasting reforms.The Battle of Hastings: The climactic clash that ended Anglo-Saxon rule and ushered in Norman dominance.

Medieval England will separate the myth from reality and reveal what you know about medieval England and what you only think you know. It covers a sweeping overview of the period and dives into many of the fascinating facts and stories that have made people love the Middle Ages for so long.

In the second part of this book, you will learn about:

How England got startedWhat it took to be the best and worst English kingWhy you wouldn't want to be a peasant in the Middle AgesHow one of the greatest catastrophes in human history, the Black Death, unfoldedThe harsh punishments that kept the peaceHow the church became the most powerful organization of the periodWhy armored cavalry stopped being used in battlesWhat medieval people did for funAnd much, much more!