Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Accomplished historical author James Reston, Jr., presents the enthralling saga of how the Christian kingdoms converted, conquered, and slaughtered their way to dominance in Europe as the year 1000 approached.
Through Reston's brilliant narrative and engaging portraits of the unforgettable historical characters who embodied the struggle for the soul of Europe, students are introduced to a pivotal period in history during which an old order was crumbling, and terrifying, confusing new ideas were gaining hold in the populace. From the righteous fury of the Viking queen Sigrid the Strong-Minded, who burned unwanted suitors alive; to the brilliant but too-cunning Moor, al-Mansur the Illustrious Victor; to the aptly named English king Ethelred the Unready; to the abiding genius of the age, Pope Sylvester II--warrior kings and concubine empresses, maniacal warriors and religious zealots bring this stirring period to life.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 282-287) and index.
Table of Contents
Prologue: The Battle of Maldon -- King Olaf Trygvesson -- Thorgeir the Lawspeaker --- Queen Sigrid the Strong-Minded -- Svein Forkbeard versus Ethelred the Unready -- Armageddon at sea -- Al Mansour, the Avenging Moor -- Little Sancho and Sancho the Great -- Forty thousand horsemen of the Apocalpse -- Vajk the Saint -- Gerbert the Wizard -- Theophano, almost purple-born -- Otto the Dreamer -- Epilogue: December 31, 999 A.D.