Harold & William

the long version

"Harold and William brings to life one of the most decisive and influential military campaigns in the English-speaking world - and the rivalry that created and fueled it. Here is the dramatic story of Harold Godwinson (c. 1022-1066), Earl of Wessex, and William "the Conqueror" (1027-1087), Duke of Normandy, in their bitter, bloody quest for the crown and destiny of England." "The author traces the Norman Conquest to its origins in the summer of 1064, when William rescued Harold and maneuvered him into pledging fealty to the duke and to his claim to the English throne. Upon the death of the English king, Harold cast aside what, in his view, was an invalid oath involuntarily coerced from him and accepted the English crown."--Jacket.