The Conqueror: A Novel of William the Conqueror, the Bastard Son Who Overpowered a Kingdom and the Woman Who Melted His Heart: 7 (Historical Romances) - Softcover

Heyer, Georgette

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1402213557 ISBN 13: 9781402213557

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, 2008

Synopsis

The true story of the bastard son who made himself a king and the woman who melted his heart.

The stirring history of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who invaded England and became the King. His victory, concluded at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is known as the Norman Conquest.

Known for her exhaustive research and ability to bring past eras to life, bestselling author Georgette Heyer tells the story of William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066, and his queen Matilda, the high-born noblewoman who at first scornfully spurned him. William was an illegitimate child of a nobleman, who won his dukedom through force of will, and went on to bring European feudalism to England, along with a program of building and fortification that included the building of the Tower of London.

The historical novel includes Heyer's brilliant period language and her perfect grasp of the details of the day - clothing, armor, weapons, and food - making for a fascinating and blood-stirring read.

Bonus reading group guide available inside.

"From the moment when the infant grasped his father's sword with a strength unusual in one so young, William showed himself a leader among men.

The Conqueror grew out of an incredible amount of historical research into the way of life, the way of speech, the way of thought, and feeling, and praying in the Eleventh Century. Without sacrificing the flow of her plot, Miss Heyer conveys an understanding of this period, more authentic as well as more colorful than many historical tomes. It is obvious in reading this novel that Georgette Heyer is indeed a mistress of her craft." -- Best Sellers

"Perfect craftsmanship." -- The New York Times Book Review

"Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to." -- Katie Fforde

"My favourite historical novelist." -- Margaret Drabble

About this title

Review:

The unlikely friendship that develops between Raoul and Edgar is the heart of this book, and when the ambitions of William and Harold finally pit the two on opposite sides of the bloody Battle of Hastings, the reader will experience the horror of war, the sometimes painful cost of loyalty, and the majesty of true friendship.

Heyer masterfully develops their love story against a detailed backdrop of the times, rich in authentic historical detail. Like all of Georgette Heyer's excellent historicals, I have read and re-read The Conqueror, enjoying it anew each time.

Heyer continues to amaze me with the versatility of her writing through different genres.

for those who cannot get enough of historical biographies, this newly reissued Georgette Heyer history is a must read!

With the story of William the Conqueror, Georgette Heyer tackles history on a grand scale and, in doing so, she provides her readers with a larger-than-life hero.

Heyer's descriptions and historical details make this book worth reading.

From the Publisher:

'Every girl, whatever her age, needs her own complete set of Heyer titles. More than romantic they are witty, elegant, stylish and the best comedies of manners since Jane Austen. Required reading for everyone.' - Diane Pearson

About this edition

• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1402213557
• ISBN 13: 9781402213557
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480