The Anglo-Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons by Marc Morris meticulously charts the turbulent history of Britain from the end of Roman rule to the Norman Conquest. As the Roman Empire withdrew from Britain in the early fifth century, the island swiftly descended into chaos and decay. This vacuum of power attracted waves of foreign invaders, primarily the Anglo-Saxons, who emerged from across the sea to establish their own dominion over the fractured land. Over the next seven centuries, these pagan warlords evolved into Christian kings, laying down the cultural and political bedrock of what would become England.

In this sweeping and original history, Morris brings to life the key figures, events, and societal transformations that shaped this formative period. From the legendary heroism of King Arthur to the stark realities of Viking invasions, from the establishment of monasteries and the spread of Christianity to the rise of great kingdoms and the consolidation of power, the book paints a vibrant and detailed portrait of Anglo-Saxon England.

The Anglo-Saxons navigates through the intricacies of historical truth and myth, providing a balanced narrative that is as entertaining as it is informative. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how this often romanticised era set the foundations for modern England.

"A clever, lively ... splendid new book," praises Dan Jones from the Sunday Times. This sentiment is echoed by other prominent voices in the literary world. The Spectator hails it as "a big gold bar of delight," highlighting its engaging style and rigorous research.

Esteemed historians and authors commend Morris's work. Ian Mortimer, known for The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England, calls Morris "a genius of medieval narrative." Bernard Cornwell, best-selling author of The Last Kingdom, appreciates the book as "a much-needed book ... A gripping story, beautifully told." James O'Brien describes it as "brilliant ... beautifully written, incredibly accessible and deeply researched," while Thomas Penn, author of The Winter King, lauds it as "a vivid, sharply drawn story of seven centuries of profound political change." Finally, Ian Hislop considers it "highly informative and hugely enjoyable."

The Anglo-Saxons is not just a recounting of battles and kings; it is a masterful narrative that brings to life the social, cultural, and religious transformations that shaped medieval England. Marc Morris’s richly detailed and accessible style ensures that this definitive account will captivate historians and general readers alike.