Battle for the Island Kingdom

Vikings, Anglo-Saxons & Normans, 1000-1066

Don Hollway

$26.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Osprey
01 February 2026

History; British & Irish history; Medieval history; Military history; Battles & campaigns

SHORTLIST FOR MILITARY HISTORY MATTERS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

Weaving together period sources and a fast-paced narrative, this is a rich history of the years leading up to 1066 when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans vied for the English crown.

Includes all the key individuals that inspired the final season of Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla and the brand-new BBC drama King and Conqueror.

Bloody battles, political intrigues and dynastic marriages all played a part in shaping a nascent England. Battle for the Island Kingdom is a rich history of the violent six decades when Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and ultimately Normans vied for the English crown before the seismic Battle of Hastings determined the fate of England for centuries.

Discover the defining personalities of the age, from the English king Aethelred and his nemesis Viking Svein Forkbeard to Cnut who forged an empire across England and Scandinavia only for his Norman queen Emma and Saxon consort Aelfifu to pit his sons against each other. We discover how the power-hungry Earl Godwin plays all sides until his own son Harold eventually seizes the crown and why Harold's brother Tostig chose to betray both him and his people for the Norman William the Bastard, who would become William the Conqueror.

Thisis a gripping tale of divided loyalties, treason and military might by master storyteller Don Hollway, author of the critically acclaimed The Last Viking.

By: Don Hollway
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 318g
ISBN: 9781472858924
ISBN 10: 1472858921
Pages: 432
Publication Date: 01 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Don Hollway is an author and historian. His first book, The Last Viking, is a gripping history of King Harald Hardrada which was acclaimed by bestselling author Stephen Harding, by Carl Gnam of Military Heritage magazine and by Michael Dirda in The Washington Post. He is also a classical rapier fencer. His work is also available at www.donhollway.com. He lives in Pennsylvania.

Reviews for Battle for the Island Kingdom: Vikings, Anglo-Saxons & Normans, 1000-1066

A great book both for those exploring the story behind the Norman Conquest for the first time, and for more knowledgeable readers who want to read a fresh account of it. * Aspects of History * Battle for the Island Kingdom is thoroughly enjoyable, and is recommended to anyone looking for a comprehensive and accessible history of the period. * Military History Matters * The story of England and how it came to be a Norman possession is an intricate and fascinating one. This is a very readable book which opens up this complex period. * Battlefield *