Review: A Very Well-Written History Tale
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2014
Lars Brownworth's book is very well-written and its actually quite easy to read.  I received this book from the publisher as an early reviewer book.  In the book, Mr. Brownworth covers the entire history of the Normans from the first Viking raid in Ireland in 885 AD to around the middle of the 12 century which was when other forces became much more powerful,  The book covers two centuries of European history.  The Normans were surprisingly effective in setting up prosperous communities wherever they managed to settle during their heyday.  They were also not afraid to shed much blood and they made a very profound statement in England, France and Italy in particular. All the legendary names are here such as William the Conqueror, Tancred the Monkey King, Robert Guiscard, Bohemond and many more.  Many Viking descendents became Kings and nobility in Europe and they were a force to be reckoned with as they pillaged and battled their way from northern Europe to the northern part of Africa.  Many current monarchies are direct descendents of these Norsemen.  This book is definitely a wonderful primer for anyone who wants to familiarize themselves with this very important piece of history.