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Æthelred

The Unready
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Æthelred by Levi Roach delves into the life of King Æthelred II, often known for the unflattering epithet "the Unready". The biography explores his reign during a turbulent period in English history marked by Viking invasions and political turmoil. Roach provides an insightful analysis of Æthelred's challenges and decisions, offering a nuanced portrayal of his leadership and the era in which he lived.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you have an interest in early medieval England and its complex history. This biography delves into the intricacies of Æthelred's reign, offering insights into his challenges and decisions with a fresh perspective. It's perfect for those who enjoy historical narratives filled with political drama and detailed analysis.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An imaginative reassessment of Æthelred, one of medieval England’s most maligned kings and a major Anglo-Saxon figure.

The Anglo-Saxon king Æthelred "the Unready" (978–1016) has long been considered to be inscrutable, irrational, and poorly advised. Infamous for his domestic and international failures, Æthelred was unable to fend off successive Viking raids, leading to the notorious St. Brice’s Day Massacre in 1002, during which Danes in England were slaughtered on his orders.

Though Æthelred’s posthumous standing is dominated by his unsuccessful military leadership, his seemingly blind trust in disloyal associates, and his harsh treatment of political opponents, Roach suggests that Æthelred has been wrongly maligned.

Drawing on extensive research, Roach argues that Æthelred was driven by pious concerns about sin, society, and the anticipated apocalypse. His strategies, in this light, were to honour God and find redemption.

Chronologically charting Æthelred’s life, Roach presents a more accessible character than previously available, illuminating his place in England and Europe at the turn of the first millennium.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300229721

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 August 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 21 b-w illus.

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 144.0mm

Height: 227.0mm

Weight: 635g

Pages: 392

About the Author

Levi Roach is lecturer at the University of Exeter, and formerly a junior research fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge. He lives in Exeter, UK.

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