{"title":"Ed West","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating works of Ed West, a distinguished author renowned for his insightful and engaging explorations of historic events. With a particular focus on British history, Ed West brings the past to life through vivid storytelling and meticulous research. His books delve into pivotal moments and figures that have shaped the tapestry of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003e1066 and Before All That\u003c\/em\u003e, West transports readers back to the era of Norman Conquest, unravelling the intricate events that defined medieval England. With clarity and wit, he paints a comprehensive picture of the life and times of this transformative period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis compelling book \u003cem\u003eSaxons vs. Vikings\u003c\/em\u003e further showcases West's ability to make history relatable and riveting. This engaging narrative examines the legendary conflicts and cultural clashes between these formidable groups, offering poignant insights into their lasting impacts on the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike, Ed West's collection is a treasure trove of knowledge set in the realms of history and military affairs. Dive into his works to explore the layers of our past with fresh perspectives and untold stories.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"1066-and-before-all-that-by-ed-west-9781510775565","title":"1066 and Before All That","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA riveting account of the most consequential year in English history, marked by bloody conflict with invaders on all sides.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e1066 and Before All That\u003c\/em\u003e is the most famous date in history, and with good reason, since no battle in medieval history had such a devastating effect on its losers as the Battle of Hastings, which altered the entire course of English history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe French-speaking Normans were the pre-eminent warriors of the 11th century and based their entire society around conflict. They were led by William 'the Bastard', a formidable, ruthless warrior, who was convinced that his half-Norman cousin, Edward the Confessor, had promised him the throne of England. However, when Edward died in January 1066, Harold Godwinson, the richest earl in the land and the son of a pirate, took the throne. This left William no choice but to forcibly claim what he believed to be his right. What ensued was one of the bloodiest periods of English history, with a body count that might make even George RR Martin balk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePitched at newcomers to the subject, this book will explain how the disastrous battle changed England—and the English—forever, introducing the medieval world of chivalry, castles, and horse-bound knights. It is the first part in the new \u003cem\u003eA Very, Very Short History of England\u003c\/em\u003e series, which aims to capture the major moments of English history with humour and bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000327389420,"sku":"9781510775565","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24777903482725.jpg?v=1763278217"},{"product_id":"saxons-vs-vikings-by-ed-west-9781510773608","title":"Saxons vs. Vikings","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA witty and concise look at the beginnings of English history, when the nation consolidated after clashes between the Saxons and invading Vikings.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 871, three of England's four kingdoms were overrun by Vikings, the ruthless, all-conquering Scandinavian raiders who terrorised early medieval Europe. With the Norsemen murdering one king with arrows and torturing another to death by ripping out his lungs, the prospects that faced the kingdom of Wessex were bleak. Worse still, the Saxons were now led by a young man barely out of his teens who was more interested in God than fighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet within a decade, Alfred—the only English king known as the Great—had driven the Vikings out of half of England, and his children and grandchildren would unite the country a few years later. This period, popular with fans of television shows such as \u003ci\u003eVikings\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Last Kingdom\u003c\/i\u003e, saw the creation of England as a nation-state, with Alfred laying down the first national law code, establishing an education system, and building cities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSaxons vs. Vikings\u003c\/i\u003e also covers the period before Alfred, including ancient Britain, the Roman occupation, and the Dark Ages, explaining important historical episodes such as Boudicca, King Arthur, and Beowulf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for newcomers to the subject, this is the second title in the new \u003ci\u003eA Very, Very Short History of England\u003c\/i\u003e series. If you're trying to understand England and its history in the most informative and entertaining way possible, this is the place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000735056108,"sku":"9781510773608","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24758333482725.jpg?v=1763301329"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/ed-west.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}