Paul Hill, formerly curator of Kingston Upon Thames Museum in Surrey, is well known as a lecturer, author and expert on Anglo-Saxon and Norman history and military archaeology, and he has written several books on these subjects, among them The Age of Athelstan: Britain's Forgotten History, The Viking Wars of Alfred the Great and The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066.
This color illustrated history is accessible to general readers, students, and researchers. The first part of the book gives background on the rise of the Normans. The next section gives details on eight Norman commanders, from 1085 through 1111: Robert Guiscard, William the Conqueror, Richard I, Roger I, William II Rufus, Robert II Curthose, Henry I, and Bohemond, Prince of Antioch. Each of these chapters begins with a timeline, then describes the commander's character and career. Part 3 describes battles and campaigns, and Part 4 gives details on the Norman warfare, such as recruitment, horses, logistics and supply, training, leadership, strategy, and battlefield tactics. The book contains a wealth of color and b&w photos of locations, along with b&w historical illustrations and contemporary maps. --ProtoView