Publication
Crux, c2014
Status
Available
Description
There is much more to the Norman story than the Battle of Hastings. These descendants of the Vikings who settled in France, England, and Italy-but were not strictly French, English, or Italian-played a large role in creating the modern world. They were the success story of the Middle Ages: a footloose band of individual adventurers who transformed the face of medieval Europe. During the course of two centuries, they launched a series of extraordinary conquests, carving out kingdoms from the North Sea to the North African coast.In The Normans, Lars Brownworth follows their story, from the first shock of a Viking raid on an Irish monastery to the exile of the last Norman Prince of Antioch. In the process, he brings to vivid life the Norman tapestry's rich cast of characters: figures like Rollo the Walker, William Iron-Arm, Tancred the Monkey King, and Robert Guiscard. The Normans presents a fascinating glimpse of a time when a group of restless adventurers had the world at their fingertips.… (more)
Media reviews
Me, myself and I
I just finished reading The Normans: From Raiders to Kings and I truly enjoyed this book.People probably have very limited knowwledge of who the Normans were, their knowledge not going beyond perhaps and old Robin Hood movie or mention on the History Channel.
Lars Brownworth‘s book gives a lot
Show More
of information, and provides a detailed history of the Normans were in a very easy read .
Most of the book deals with the Hauteville family. This one family, descended from Vikings: conquered Sicily and Southern Italy; was a huge factor in Europe, Asia and Africa; and participated in the Norman conquest of England. You get chapters on each of the major family members, covering the high points of their lives in thorough detail. The Normans conveys a lot of information but it feels like it is telling you a grab you by the belt adventure. Too many times a history books is dry and boring. This one feels however is very vibrant and exciting. It is an informative, excellent read and I recommend checking it out.
Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member sferguson
A very good read, perhaps one of the better historical reads that I can remember. While I had known much of what was in this book, the presentation and cohesiveness of the writing and structure made it much easier to form a fuller picture of Europe during the height of the Norman influence.
Well
Well
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worth reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member Vesper1931
The history of Normans covering several hundred years of European history up to and including the Twelfth Century.
I took a star off for calling Queen Elizabeth II of England, instead of her more correct title of United Kingdom of Great Britain. These are not the same geographically places.
I took a star off for calling Queen Elizabeth II of England, instead of her more correct title of United Kingdom of Great Britain. These are not the same geographically places.
LibraryThing member harmony3health
Lars Brownworth is an amazing storyteller. If you love history, sit down, get comfortable, and prepare to enjoy yourself. If you happen to find history terribly boring, sit down to force yourself through a chapter-but be prepared to find that you have read 3 or 4 chapters and can’t wait to be
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entertained through another! THE NORMANS is written in such a way, that you feel like you have come to know these historic characters personally. Without deviating from the historic facts, the motivations and ambitions of the people from this time period are brought to life in this often humorous book of the brief, but enterprising, history of the Normans. THE NORMANS was a free book in exchange for my review. This is the first book that I have read by Lars Brownworth, and I look forward to reading and enjoying his other works! Show Less
LibraryThing member CarriePalmer
Pure Lars Brownworth! Entertainment and History! If you loved the podcast The Norman Centuries, you'll want this book!
LibraryThing member Birdie54
If you like history, you'll enjoy this book. Brownworth's writing kept me interested in a subject I knew little about.
LibraryThing member dmclane
The Normans is a treatise reporting the ascension of the Viking raiders of Western Europe and England from marauders to kings and peers of the realm in England, France, Germany and many other modern day countries. As such it is not a story with a plot, character development, and resolution of
I did not think I’d like the book at first as I tend to favor entertainment reading, complete with plot, characters and denouement; and in fact, a good murder mystery is just fine. Consequently, I was surprised to find myself involved in and enjoying the history as much as I was while reading this book. The author’s style probably helped in this regard at least as much as my fascination with the rise and fall of the varied Norman clans struggling for power and influence. This book came to me as part of the Librarything Early Reviewers program, as well as the kindness of the author and publisher; my sincere thanks to all as I would have missed something interesting and unique without it.
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conflict, but rather an account of the Norman notables in history such as you would expect of a course book for a history class. Noteworthy, is the fact that these people while having substantial influence on the shaping of modern Europe were all finished in influence two centuries following William the Conqueror having been absorbed into the native cultures of the lands they’d previously conquered. The Normans became English in England, Italian in Italy, and Sicilian in Sicily.I did not think I’d like the book at first as I tend to favor entertainment reading, complete with plot, characters and denouement; and in fact, a good murder mystery is just fine. Consequently, I was surprised to find myself involved in and enjoying the history as much as I was while reading this book. The author’s style probably helped in this regard at least as much as my fascination with the rise and fall of the varied Norman clans struggling for power and influence. This book came to me as part of the Librarything Early Reviewers program, as well as the kindness of the author and publisher; my sincere thanks to all as I would have missed something interesting and unique without it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Elliot1822
I just finished reading The Normans: From Raiders to Kings and I truly enjoyed this book.People probably have very limited knowwledge of who the Normans were, their knowledge not going beyond perhaps and old Robin Hood movie or mention on the History Channel.
Lars Brownworth‘s book gives a lot of
Most of the book deals with the Hauteville family. This one family, descended from Vikings: conquered Sicily and Southern Italy; was a huge factor in Europe, Asia and Africa; and participated in the Norman conquest of England. You get chapters on each of the major family members, covering the high points of their lives in thorough detail. The Normans conveys a lot of information but it feels like it is telling you a grab you by the belt adventure. Too many times a history books is dry and boring. This one feels however is very vibrant and exciting. It is an informative, excellent read and I recommend checking it out.
Lars Brownworth‘s book gives a lot of
Show More
information, and provides a detailed history of the Normans were in a very easy read . Most of the book deals with the Hauteville family. This one family, descended from Vikings: conquered Sicily and Southern Italy; was a huge factor in Europe, Asia and Africa; and participated in the Norman conquest of England. You get chapters on each of the major family members, covering the high points of their lives in thorough detail. The Normans conveys a lot of information but it feels like it is telling you a grab you by the belt adventure. Too many times a history books is dry and boring. This one feels however is very vibrant and exciting. It is an informative, excellent read and I recommend checking it out.
Show Less
LibraryThing member philantrop
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I thought the topic of the Normans was interesting but didn't get my hopes up high since I had never heard of the author before, popular history books are usually not my taste and the cover was somewhat attention-seeking.
I very quickly got drawn
Sometimes, the chapters are a bit short and there would likely be more to say about the respective protagonist (e. g. Frederick II deserves more attention than he gets here, I think) but all in all, this book makes a very interesting read. I like how Brownworth isn't shy to voice his own opinion about the respective protagonist at the end of almost every chapter - I don't always agree with his assessment but I like his style.
I can't really say much about the historical accuracy but this book made me read up on quite a few of the Normans depicted and that's definitely a good sign.
I very quickly got drawn
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into the book deeply, though. Brownworth definitely succeeds in explaining the main Norman rulers and their feats. I was a bit worried about all the names and references but most of the time, a chapter or a few later, Brownworth picks up and expands on the subject he mentioned before and one gets an excellent overview.Sometimes, the chapters are a bit short and there would likely be more to say about the respective protagonist (e. g. Frederick II deserves more attention than he gets here, I think) but all in all, this book makes a very interesting read. I like how Brownworth isn't shy to voice his own opinion about the respective protagonist at the end of almost every chapter - I don't always agree with his assessment but I like his style.
I can't really say much about the historical accuracy but this book made me read up on quite a few of the Normans depicted and that's definitely a good sign.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
Most history books treat Sicily as a side issue, and only through the artifacts in museums do we get a glimpse of the culture of Norman Palermo. In this very readable book, Brownworth brings this kingdom to centre stage. This not only sheds light on one of the more interesting dynasties of medieval
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Europe, but also helps explain much of the 'larger' history. Show Less
LibraryThing member Antares1
The Normans: From Raiders to Kings by Lars Brownworth is what I wish my history books had been like. Although, many of the Norman's had the same name, Roger, William and such the writing was clear and concise. Most textbooks on history are good cures for insomnia, but Brownworth brings these
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characters to life with snippets of their character as well as their accomplishments. It really gives you a feel for how important the Normans were in establishing Western European culture. It's also highly readable, although I wouldn't call it a page turner, it wasn't a snoozefest either. Show Less
LibraryThing member dickbook
This is a thoroughly researched book about a specific group of historical rulers. Although well written, the book is somewhat confusing due to the many rulers who were interacting (read fighting) with various other rulers. I'm not sure how the author could clarify this rather complicated
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arrangement. On the plus side the author does an excellent job of portraying the positive and negative aspects of the various personalities. I recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member moncur_d
A long time ago, back when podcasts were very much a thing, Lars Brownworth did an excellent, well reviewed, series of podcasts on the history of Byzantium.
He then followed it up with a series on the Normans, which to my shame, I never followed. This book is essentially a reworking of his podcast
This is not a bad thing. Brownworth has clearly thought long and hard about the whys and wherefores of Norman expansion, and the discipline of thinking how to explain complexity to an audience coming with a mixture of knowledge and preconceptions means that what you get from this book is clarity and just enough depth to make you think 'I didn't know that' and scurry off to look things up.
The book is very much history as narrative, or more accurately a series of linked narratives covering the history of the Normans from the early tenth century onwards through the establishment and consolidation of Normandy, William's conquest of England, the establishment of the Norman polity in Sicily and their dealings with the Byzantine empire. In short not only do you get clarity, you get breadth - something often lacking histories of the Norman period with their understandable focus on '1066 and all that' - despite their roles in the history of Italy as well as the East and the first crusade.
There are also some omissions - there's no coverage of the Anglo Norman landgrab in Ireland - Brownworth treats the Angevin state as out of scope, or the gradual infiltration of Norman knights into the east of Scotland, and his coverage of the Norman involvement in the crusader states is sketchy.
That said, its a useful book and would work nicely as an introduction to the Normans, particularly to the Norman polities in Sicily and Apulia.
He then followed it up with a series on the Normans, which to my shame, I never followed. This book is essentially a reworking of his podcast
Show More
material.This is not a bad thing. Brownworth has clearly thought long and hard about the whys and wherefores of Norman expansion, and the discipline of thinking how to explain complexity to an audience coming with a mixture of knowledge and preconceptions means that what you get from this book is clarity and just enough depth to make you think 'I didn't know that' and scurry off to look things up.
The book is very much history as narrative, or more accurately a series of linked narratives covering the history of the Normans from the early tenth century onwards through the establishment and consolidation of Normandy, William's conquest of England, the establishment of the Norman polity in Sicily and their dealings with the Byzantine empire. In short not only do you get clarity, you get breadth - something often lacking histories of the Norman period with their understandable focus on '1066 and all that' - despite their roles in the history of Italy as well as the East and the first crusade.
There are also some omissions - there's no coverage of the Anglo Norman landgrab in Ireland - Brownworth treats the Angevin state as out of scope, or the gradual infiltration of Norman knights into the east of Scotland, and his coverage of the Norman involvement in the crusader states is sketchy.
That said, its a useful book and would work nicely as an introduction to the Normans, particularly to the Norman polities in Sicily and Apulia.
Show Less
LibraryThing member pratchettfan
Everyone knows that the Normans invaded England and had won a decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings. But where did they come from? And how far did their influence spread?
Lars Brownworth answers these questions in this detailed account of Norman history, elaborating their early beginnings over
I greatly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about medieval politics and the power struggles in medieval Europ. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medieval history.
Lars Brownworth answers these questions in this detailed account of Norman history, elaborating their early beginnings over
Show More
their greatest expansion, which included the Sicily and part of the North Coast of Africa, up to their eventual demise.I greatly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about medieval politics and the power struggles in medieval Europ. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medieval history.
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LibraryThing member Stardust_Fiddle
A historical exploration of the shapers of Europe and the West, Lars Brownworth’s “The Normans: From Raiders to Kings” provides a concise and uninterrupted account of how these Viking descendants changed the course of history over a period of only two centuries. When the Treaty of
With its compilation of materials such as a “Who’s Who” listing, maps, a bibliography, and more, “The Normans” offers a succinct reference for anyone interested in the Norman legacy. Interspersed humor and short chapters enhance this text’s attractiveness as a learning tool, and while there are some grammatical errors, none of these impede comprehension.
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Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, signed by Charles III of France and Rollo the Walker, leader of the Vikings, created the Terra Normanorum, or land of the Northmen, the Norman legacy began. Their inheritance was mostly one of bloodshed, wars, and conquest, because after all, “Norman respect was won on the battlefield.” Two centuries later, Frederick II became “the last flowering of the Norman kingdom of Sicily,” effectively ending the Norman reign. Nevertheless, they paved the way for the forceful assimilation of England into mainstream Europe. With its compilation of materials such as a “Who’s Who” listing, maps, a bibliography, and more, “The Normans” offers a succinct reference for anyone interested in the Norman legacy. Interspersed humor and short chapters enhance this text’s attractiveness as a learning tool, and while there are some grammatical errors, none of these impede comprehension.
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LibraryThing member jencharlap
If you enjoy English history, you will love this book! Brownworth presents an entertaining, yet informative, look at the Normans. The writer brings humor and panache to the subject matter. The author's narrow focus on one family provides an opportunity for a more intimate view than other works on
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the Normans. Brownworth's voice as an author is exceptional. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member p_linehan
This is a very enjoyable popular history of the Normans. It seemed that all the Norman knights did was fight wars, conquer kingdoms, and create huge families. The author makes the action very interesting to read and not repetitive at all. I was surprised that what I had previously of as the Dark
I really appreciated having the chance to read the book through the Early Review program.
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Ages, were really not dark at all. It was instead a time of turbulence and recreation of the new European civilization. By the end of the book the Norman warriors have been absorbed into each of the countries they conquered, but the book shows that they had a huge impact into the world we live in today.I really appreciated having the chance to read the book through the Early Review program.
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LibraryThing member deblemrc
The story of the Normans in Europe is a mostly hidden but remarkable story. Brownworth tells it very well for the large public interested in history. While sometimes a bit confusing because of the chronology he follows, this is a good, popular history book.
LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
Lars Brownworth has written an interesting and detailed history of the Normans that goes far, far beyond what I learned about the Norman invasion in 1066. I am woefully ignorant of much of European history, especially history in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. As a result, I found this book
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interesting and informative. An added bonus is that the information is written in a very readable manner; it isn't dull or overly detailed. For the casual historical reader or amateur history buff, this is an excellent source on a group of people who had a tremendous effect on western European society. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreiter
Prior to reading Lars Brownworth's book The Normans: From Raiders to Kings, I knew very little about the Normans. I knew just a bit about the Vikings, some basic information about the famous Battle of Hastings, and nothing more. I found the book to be informative and engaging. It gave me a much
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richer understanding of the time period and insight into colorful characters, such as Rollo, William the Conqueror, and many others. I loved all the charts, lists, maps, and family trees in the beginning and found myself going back to them over and over again. Brownworth's style of writing is engaging and accessible, and he uses vivid language and plenty of detail to describe people and events. When I first considered the prospect of teaching history to my children in our home school, I thought back and realized how patchy and inadequate my own education was in that area. I have since undertaken to rectify that by continuing to learn and fill in the gaps, and Brownworth's book is just the kind of book that makes that endeavor enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member ldannette
Well written in depth look at the Normans' advent and pivotal role in history. The author sets the stage with some brief parenthetical comments and then proceeds to detail the less well traveled road of history trod by the Normans. Occasionally the narrative is mildly confusing due to modern
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unfamiliarity with era, as well as an inherent unavoidable complexity of the subject itself, requiring more from the reader, rather than less. Overall, "The Normans" is fascinating, readable and informative with occasional surprising sly bits of humor, and well worth the time invested in reading it, Show Less
LibraryThing member BJ3568
This book tells a fairly interesting story of the Normans in Europe. It should be noted that the primary focus is on their activities in Italy rather than their presence in other parts of Europe. Given the narrow focus of the book, the information was a little more superficial than I had expected.
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I did like the fact that he is dealing with material that hasn’t had a lot of other coverage. The book was easy to read and moderately engaging. I found that some of the recaps (when he changes focus from one person to another) were unnecessarily long and repetitive. Overall, this isn't a bad read, but it won't make my list of things to read again. Show Less
LibraryThing member diana.hauser
I was pleased to read this advance (in ebook form) copy of The Normans: from raiders to kings by Lars Brownworth; published by Crux Publishing Ltd. in the UK. Not being familiar with Mr. Brownworth, I did a bit of preliminary research on the author before I started.
Mr. Brownworth is an author,
He attracted attention for his book, 12 Byzantine Rulers, and a subsequent podcast of the material. I listened to several episodes of the podcast (which is free in ITunes) and became very interested in the material and Mr. Brownworth's presentation of the material. I noticed that Mr. Brownworth had a podcast of The Normans, and I began listening before I started to read the book. It is very easy to follow along with the podcast - Mr. Brownworth's delivery and mastery of the material created a very interesting and enjoyable history lesson. I greatly recommend the podcast: if you like audio; if you are interested in a concise summary only and if you don't mind the absence of visuals and access points.
I like and recommend visuals and access points. There is nothing like a good map or footnote to get me excited and I began (as I always do) with the cover. The cover is a portrait/model of a Norman knight slightly in the background of the Bayeux Tapestry (a tapestry from the 11th century which depicts events leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066). This is fabulous cover art and the picture, with its mellow color tones, welcomed me into the book. (I am a big believer in 'cover art' and think an illustration can create interest in a particular title.)
The book contains many excellent access points, also, that guide the reader throughout his/her reading. These include maps; lists of personages, places and terms; a prologue and epilogue; a brief explanation of the Papal States and Romans, Holy Romans and Byzantines; a list of various dynasties and emperors; a family tree of the House of Hauteville; a table of contents and general introduction. Detailed footnotes and a bibliography of primary sources and more modern works follow the text. I would have used an index, but an index was not included. I think the very detailed information and the many people and places to keep track of warranted an index.
The writing style is very conversational and is easy to follow. Any information that requires added explanation is footnoted. I felt as though the author was speaking directly to me and offering me very personal information about these people, places and events.
Though I am no expert on Norman source material, the bibliography seemed very extensive and I did look at several of the sources online.
The Normans is a book full of fascinating details. I began taking notes instantly in the hope of keeping all the names and places straight in my mind and soon had a small notebook full of notes and questions. Some details that I found particularly interesting include:
1. Who exactly were the Normans? They were not strictly French and their most famous king ruled in England. They began as marauding Viking groups. (see the introduction)
2. I like reading about 'Ah-Ha' moments that changed history. The Vikings were innovative shipbuilders and developed a boat that eliminated the need for a keel. Viking ships could sail up even the shallowest rivers and this allowed them to be particularly lethal. (see the prologue)
3. The adaptability of the Normans. This trait was mentioned several times in several chapters and led to their success. (see the introduction)
4. Greek fire - an oil-based substance funneled through pipes under water to burn ships (see chapter 9)
5. Several times I had to stop reading because I couldn't stand any of these people anymore - Normans, Italians, Muslims, French, Germans, the Popes, etc. The horrible brutality and viciousness of their feuds, wars, and conquests, plus their total disregard for human life made me dizzy at times. The breaking of oaths, agreements and treaties was also hard to comprehend (and keep track of). It often makes for disturbing reading.
6. There were very interesting subplots to the Crusades. (ex. Bohemond I in chapter 10)
7. There were only 2 women listed in the Who's Who of the Norman World - Adelaide (c.1075-1118) and Emma (c.985-1012). I want to read more about them.
8. I often read The Normans with other reference books at hand which were helpful in their visuals. For example, I am interested in weaving and embroidery and tapestry and seeing various panels of the Bayeux Tapestry was thrilling; or reading about the early Anglo-Saxons and then seeing a picture of a still-standing church or tomb is very helpful in breathing life into such 'long-ago' history. Visuals/Illustrations compliment a text and would have been a welcome addition here.
9. Norman achievements were astounding, however brief. They were powerful for only a few centuries, but that power effected a shift. Norman energy transformed Europe.
10. Lars Brownworth has a blog - Finding History, where he answers questions (ex. What happened to Tancred's other sons?)
11. Lars Brownworth's podcasts and podcast websites are very rich in information and are easily accessible.
Would I recommend this book to anyone? Absolutely! History is about people and Mr. Brownworth helps these people come alive with his research and writing. In knowing about and understanding them, I think we understand a bit more about ourselves. This is a must-read for any history enthusiast.
Mr. Brownworth is an author,
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speaker, historian and teacher. He has written 3 books, Lost to the West: the forgotten Byzantine Empire that rescued western civilization; 12 Byzantine Rulers: the history of the Byzantine Empire; and The Normans: from raiders to kings. A new book, The sea wolves: a history of the Vikings is due in the fall of 2014.He attracted attention for his book, 12 Byzantine Rulers, and a subsequent podcast of the material. I listened to several episodes of the podcast (which is free in ITunes) and became very interested in the material and Mr. Brownworth's presentation of the material. I noticed that Mr. Brownworth had a podcast of The Normans, and I began listening before I started to read the book. It is very easy to follow along with the podcast - Mr. Brownworth's delivery and mastery of the material created a very interesting and enjoyable history lesson. I greatly recommend the podcast: if you like audio; if you are interested in a concise summary only and if you don't mind the absence of visuals and access points.
I like and recommend visuals and access points. There is nothing like a good map or footnote to get me excited and I began (as I always do) with the cover. The cover is a portrait/model of a Norman knight slightly in the background of the Bayeux Tapestry (a tapestry from the 11th century which depicts events leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066). This is fabulous cover art and the picture, with its mellow color tones, welcomed me into the book. (I am a big believer in 'cover art' and think an illustration can create interest in a particular title.)
The book contains many excellent access points, also, that guide the reader throughout his/her reading. These include maps; lists of personages, places and terms; a prologue and epilogue; a brief explanation of the Papal States and Romans, Holy Romans and Byzantines; a list of various dynasties and emperors; a family tree of the House of Hauteville; a table of contents and general introduction. Detailed footnotes and a bibliography of primary sources and more modern works follow the text. I would have used an index, but an index was not included. I think the very detailed information and the many people and places to keep track of warranted an index.
The writing style is very conversational and is easy to follow. Any information that requires added explanation is footnoted. I felt as though the author was speaking directly to me and offering me very personal information about these people, places and events.
Though I am no expert on Norman source material, the bibliography seemed very extensive and I did look at several of the sources online.
The Normans is a book full of fascinating details. I began taking notes instantly in the hope of keeping all the names and places straight in my mind and soon had a small notebook full of notes and questions. Some details that I found particularly interesting include:
1. Who exactly were the Normans? They were not strictly French and their most famous king ruled in England. They began as marauding Viking groups. (see the introduction)
2. I like reading about 'Ah-Ha' moments that changed history. The Vikings were innovative shipbuilders and developed a boat that eliminated the need for a keel. Viking ships could sail up even the shallowest rivers and this allowed them to be particularly lethal. (see the prologue)
3. The adaptability of the Normans. This trait was mentioned several times in several chapters and led to their success. (see the introduction)
4. Greek fire - an oil-based substance funneled through pipes under water to burn ships (see chapter 9)
5. Several times I had to stop reading because I couldn't stand any of these people anymore - Normans, Italians, Muslims, French, Germans, the Popes, etc. The horrible brutality and viciousness of their feuds, wars, and conquests, plus their total disregard for human life made me dizzy at times. The breaking of oaths, agreements and treaties was also hard to comprehend (and keep track of). It often makes for disturbing reading.
6. There were very interesting subplots to the Crusades. (ex. Bohemond I in chapter 10)
7. There were only 2 women listed in the Who's Who of the Norman World - Adelaide (c.1075-1118) and Emma (c.985-1012). I want to read more about them.
8. I often read The Normans with other reference books at hand which were helpful in their visuals. For example, I am interested in weaving and embroidery and tapestry and seeing various panels of the Bayeux Tapestry was thrilling; or reading about the early Anglo-Saxons and then seeing a picture of a still-standing church or tomb is very helpful in breathing life into such 'long-ago' history. Visuals/Illustrations compliment a text and would have been a welcome addition here.
9. Norman achievements were astounding, however brief. They were powerful for only a few centuries, but that power effected a shift. Norman energy transformed Europe.
10. Lars Brownworth has a blog - Finding History, where he answers questions (ex. What happened to Tancred's other sons?)
11. Lars Brownworth's podcasts and podcast websites are very rich in information and are easily accessible.
Would I recommend this book to anyone? Absolutely! History is about people and Mr. Brownworth helps these people come alive with his research and writing. In knowing about and understanding them, I think we understand a bit more about ourselves. This is a must-read for any history enthusiast.
Show Less
LibraryThing member toonarmycaptain
This book is great. Really enjoying the "other other side of the coin" perspective. Not purely about William and not told from the Normans' subjects' point of view, this book tells the riveting story of the Norman family.
LibraryThing member mamzel
The Normans is a complete history of how influential this group was from their Viking raider origin to their subsequent settling of France, Britain, Italy, and parts of North Africa and the Near East. Brownsworth has managed to write this history which took place mainly in the 12th century, in an
Considering how mobile and violent the Vikings were, it is indeed impressive that they took to a more settled life in Normandy when given the option. That was not enough for them, however, and they proceeded to colonize in Britain and other parts of Europe.
This was a history lesson I never learned. I confess to have being confused about the Anglo-Saxon - Norman struggle but am better informed now. Indeed I know more about the Papal States, Byzantium, and the Crusades as well.
Reading the problems of holding positions, naming heirs, and fighting battles reminded me of the Game of Thrones series. Without dragons.
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accessible and even manner. Considering how mobile and violent the Vikings were, it is indeed impressive that they took to a more settled life in Normandy when given the option. That was not enough for them, however, and they proceeded to colonize in Britain and other parts of Europe.
This was a history lesson I never learned. I confess to have being confused about the Anglo-Saxon - Norman struggle but am better informed now. Indeed I know more about the Papal States, Byzantium, and the Crusades as well.
Reading the problems of holding positions, naming heirs, and fighting battles reminded me of the Game of Thrones series. Without dragons.
Show Less
LibraryThing member amyblue
This was an engaging book on a little known slice of history. The Normans ruled both in England and in Sicily at around the same time and left legacies on both places. The author traces the history of this people from their beginnings to the fall of Sicilian power in the 12th century. His emphasis
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is on Sicily and not on England but he touches on both as well as their antecedents in France. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781909979031
Original publication date
2014-01-03