William II (Penguin Monarchs)

by John Gillingham

Book 11 in the Penguin Monarchs series.

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John Gillingham reassesses William II, the Conqueror’s third son, whose forceful rule earned him the name Rufus. The book examines his control of England, campaigns in Normandy and Scotland, relations with the Church and reputation for a court culture that later chroniclers condemned.

William’s death from an arrow in the New Forest has encouraged centuries of speculation. Gillingham separates contemporary evidence from hostile monastic tradition, presenting a capable and intimidating king whose political successes were overshadowed by moral criticism and the mystery surrounding his sudden death.