{"title":"Nora Berend","description":"\u003cp\u003eNora Berend is a distinguished historian and accomplished author, celebrated for her compelling works in the field of European history. Her insightful writing brings to life the past, inviting readers to delve into the intricate tapestry of historical events and figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her notable work is \u003cem\u003eEl Cid\u003c\/em\u003e, a fascinating biography that offers a detailed look into the life of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar. Through her meticulous research and engaging narrative style, Berend provides readers with a vivid portrayal of El Cid, exploring his impact on history and his enduring legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBerend's books are an excellent choice for anyone interested in Biography \u0026amp; Memoir, providing both an educational journey and an enriching reading experience. Her ability to combine rigorous scholarship with accessible prose makes her a favourite among both history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the world of European history with Nora Berend's insightful works and discover the stories that shaped our past.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"el-cid-by-nora-berend-9781399709637","title":"El Cid","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e'A fascinating study of historical mythmaking . . . concise and absorbing'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePaul Freedman, author of \u003ci\u003eOut of the East\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Lively, original and fascinating'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDavid Abulafia, \u003ci\u003eLiterary Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'An enthralling study . . . exceptionally fascinating'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRodrigo Diaz lived a violently colourful life in eleventh-century Spain. An ambitious military leader, exile and brutal mercenary, he served Christian kings, fought against Christian princes in service of Muslim rulers, raided and killed Muslims, and eventually struck out on his own, carving out an independent principality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Rodrigo the man is long dead, \u003ci\u003eEl Cid\u003c\/i\u003e lives on: a superhero; a quasi-saint; the 'spirit of Spain', according to military dictator Franco; and a champion of medieval Spanish multiculturalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNora Berend uncovers how el Cid has been transformed across the centuries, confronting the gulf between truth and legend and examining how a military adventurer became a hero to people on opposite ends of the political spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is it about this man that appeals to us? And why do we transform the most unsuitable people into heroes?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Would the real El Cid please stand up? Nora Berend's fascinating new book covers nearly a thousand years of history and myth-making about this eleventh-century warrior . . . and presents all the delicious ironies of history'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eProfessor Marc David Baer, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Ottomans: Khans, Caliphs, and Caesars\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46825879732460,"sku":"9781399709637","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9464433482686.jpg?v=1758114167"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/nora-berend.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}