The Normans

In this reprint of a classic work of criticism, Professor Allen Brown tells the fascinating story of the Normans, who did not just conquer Anglo-Saxon England, but had an impact on the whole of Europe. Beginning as Viking raiders (`Northmen') who settled in Northern France in the late ninth century, this energetic and enterprising race established themselves as far afield as Syria, Italy, Sicily and Ireland in the course of the next three centuries. As a people they not only produced outstanding leaders, but were inspired exponents of all the social, political and cultural movements of their time, from monasticism to feudalism and chivalry, from theology and secular government to architecture. They showed an astonishing capacity for organisation, simultaneously absorbing and transforming the cultures of the peoples they conquered, scattering superb churches and castles in the lands they settled. Chapters cover: The Origins of the Normans; The Normans in Normandy; The Norman Conquest of England; The Normans in the South; Italy and Sicily; The Normans on the First Crusade; Antioch; Epilogue: The No R. ALLEN BROWNwas professor of history at King's College, London, and founder of the annual Battle conference on Anglo-Norman studies.