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The White Ship

Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream
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( 4,745 ratings, 518 reviews)
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
The White Ship by Charles Spencer delves into the catastrophic maritime disaster in 1120 that resulted in the drowning of the heir to the English throne, William Adelin. This event profoundly destabilized England, igniting a turbulent period of civil strife known as The Anarchy. Spencer provides a vivid exploration of the political ramifications and human tragedies stemming from this singular historical incident.
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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 appreciate this book if you're fascinated by the chaotic and turbulent events of the 12th century, especially the impact of a single event on the course of history. Charles Spencer's exploration of this tragedy is rich with vivid detail and dramatic storytelling, making it an engaging read for history enthusiasts interested in the Medieval period and its enduring mysteries.

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THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘As gripping as any thriller. History doesn't get any better than this’ BILL BRYSON ’A brilliant read … Game of Thrones but in the real world’ ANTHONY HOROWITZ

The gripping Sunday Times bestselling book about the Anarchy in medieval England (Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream)

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

THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘As gripping as any thriller. History doesn't get any better than this’ — BILL BRYSON

‘A brilliant read … Game of Thrones but in the real world’ — ANTHONY HOROWITZ

PICKED AS A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 BY THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, THE GUARDIAN, THE DAILY MAIL AND THE DAILY EXPRESS.

The sinking of the White Ship in 1120 is one of the greatest disasters England has ever suffered. In one catastrophic night, the king’s heir and the flower of Anglo-Norman society were drowned and the future of the crown was thrown violently off course.

In a riveting narrative, Charles Spencer follows the story from the Norman Conquest through to the decades that would become known as the Anarchy: a civil war of untold violence that saw families turn in on each other with English and Norman barons, rebellious Welsh princes and the Scottish king all playing a part in a desperate game of thrones. All because of the loss of one vessel – the White Ship – the medieval Titanic.

‘Highly enjoyable’ — Simon Heffer

‘Brilliant’ — Dan Jones

‘Fascinating’ — Tom Bower

The #2 Sunday Times bestseller on Sunday 18 June 2021

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The White Ship by Charles Spencer is praised for its vivid storytelling and engaging narrative style. It captures the drama and intrigue of the medieval period, focusing on a tragic event that reshaped British history. The book is recognised for its detailed character portraits and Spencer's ability to bring historical figures to life, combining thorough research with a gripping, almost cinematic approach to history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008296841

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Charles Spencer is author of a number of books including 'Killers of the King and Blenheim: Battle for Europe which was shortlisted for History Book of the Year at the 2005 National Book Awards. A former contributing Correspondent on the TODAY Show (NBC News), he is a Founder of the Althorp Literary Festival. His wife, Karen, founded and runs Whole Child International - a charity that champions abandoned and orphaned children in the Developing World.

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