1066 and Before All That: The Battle of Hastings, Anglo-Saxon and Norman England (Very, Very Short History of England)

Great! I loved it because it was short, succinct and a good overview. Ed West deploys some good humor along with the history, which I thoroughly enjoyed. e.g. comparing brutal killings and maimings with the punishment system we have today - paraphasing: 'comparatively a little extreme back then, but that's the way they did things'. I also like that he challenged some of the viewpoints - both modern and historic - about what really happened. In some cases he may have said 'that doesn't make any sense' or 'well that chronicling seems a bit self-serving by the author and not an objective account'. I should also note that I am of English descent but American since the American Revolution and I am also a synic - I don't' believe everything history books say unless they are either well documented (which isn't always accurate either) or plausible in their own right.Well done Ed West.

Ed West's books are full of historical facts and details and humorous comments. His books are always enjoyable as well ad enlightening.

I read Barbara Tuchman's, A March of Folly and A Distant Mirror, many years ago. I had studied history and had read many history books, but Tuchman bought history alive in a way I had never experienced before. What appealed to me, then, was her journalistic style which was swift and evocative and backed by the very best and latest research. Ed West's books on Medieval England, are very much in the Tuchman tradition, which is not surprising since he is also a journalist. The last of West's books, which I have just read and titled, 1006 and Before all That, ably demonstrate Wests genuine talents as writer. Like Tuchman, West sets out the historical detail accurately enough without the need for irrelevant and unnecessary detail, using brief but adequate footnotes and a short bibliography. He clearly likes etymology and uses the development of Anglo-Saxon and Norman words to add detail to the grander narratives he is exploring. There is plenty of information about ordinary Medieval life, as there is about the political intrigues of the aristocracy. However, it is West's humour which set his books apart. His wit is punchy, iconoclastic and dry on the verge of cynical and very, very funny. Post-moderns will love this book for there are no unquestionable heroes in Ed West's universe. His synthesis of history, etymology and wit are powerful, informative and entertaining. I highly recommend 1066.

The author’s writing style is lively enough to make what could be a very boring read an interesting one. You may want to do a spreadsheet to keep track of the characters as well as who is related to whom! There were a couple of things that I am not sure were factually correct, but I think overall the author got things right.

The book was laced with humor throughout which made it easier to read. Very informative. No where near an expert on the Invasion but I did learn things that I did not know. Particularly enjoyed the reference at the end to the D-Day invasion. Very appropriate

Great story summary of England and the Norman's.I learned a great deal and enjoyed the interjection of humor throughout.

Detailed, so it it hard to follow. but not too bad. Without a doubt, the best parts are in the footnotes. The author has a good sense of humor. I look forward to reading his next book.

An easy and enjoyable read which is clearly the author's intent. A nice way to spend an evening.