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William II (Penguin Monarchs)

by John Gillingham Book 11 in the Penguin Monarchs series.

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2.5(5)

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.

Historical Periods

Medieval England after the Norman Conquest1071–1300 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction

Historical people

William II of England1060–1100

Series reading order

Books in the Penguin Monarchs series

View the complete series

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