Gildenford

by Valerie Anand

Book Overview

Told from the perspective of a Saxon peasant, this is a story about the ruling family of England and the changing succession during the early 11th century prior to William the Conqueror taking the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068414896X
• ISBN13: 9780684148960
• Release Date: January 1977
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A must-read

This is probably the best fictional account I have read of pre-Conquest England. From the early scenes of King Cnut and Emma, to the heart of the action with Earl Godwin, Harold Harefoot, and Harold Godwinson, this story unfolds with immense impact and action.

Great, great, great!

This is one of my favorite books written about pre-conquest England. The characters of Earl Godwin, Queen Emma, and all the Godwin children are really brought to life. You should also read the books that follow this one: The Norman Pretender and The Disputed Crown. However, this book is the best in the trilogy.

Exceptional!

I find it difficult to locate books on the era of English history between the 9th and 11th centuries. I've read some good ones but Gildenford was exceptional. The story is based on the ruling family of England and the changing succession during the early 11th century prior to William the Conqueror taking the throne in 1066. It also deals heavily with the rise of the Earl of Wessex and his contribution to the unease surrounding the throne. Told primarily from the view of Brand Woodcutter - a peasant pulled into the controversy by serving in the Earl's household - it also includes great glimpses into the lives of the ruling families, a local merchant family and members of the religious community. They were turbulent times where nothing was simple - a concept Brand wrestles with having come from a simple farm life and now being embroiled quite directly in the intrigues of court life and the oath of loyalty he has sworn. I can't tell you how well-written this book is. Pick it up at your first opportunity - even decent used copies are getting harder to find. While you're at it, get the 2nd and 3rd books in the series as well - I did and have no regrets!!!

Outstanding Novel of Pre-Conquest England!

This is a first novel by Valerie Anand concerning the period shortly before the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is an extraordinary read! A little known period in England history is unveiled here. In 1036 one of the most hideous, bloody massacres that ever took place was in Gildenford, England, now known as Guildford. Six hundred followers of Alfred Atheling, the younger brother of Edward the Confessor were slaughtered near the town of Gildenford. What is not commonly known, however, is that Earl Godwin of Wessex was thought to be involved.The period covered here is mainly the reign of Edward the Confessor, not of Cnut, nor of Harold, son of Godwin. They are major characters in their own right, however, not in this novel, but are still background players to Brand Woodcutter who serves Earl Godwin and later on Edward. All of this is seen through his eyes, from belonging to a larger than life family of the Godwins, to realizing his part in the betrayal of Alfred Atheling, to his service of Edward, and finally his becoming William, Duke of Normandy's man. William's part is just beginning in this book but will continue in later novels.This was one of the best books I have read! I never even realized that this period in history existed. I still like Earl Godwin, however, I can see that he is not perfect and by no means a saint as many other novels I have read would make you believe. It was a real eye-opener to a obscure time in history. This book stands well on its own, but I can hardly wait to read "Norman Pretender" and "The Disputed Crown" by Valerie Anand. Sadly, they are all out of print but are well the search!

FAB-U-LOUS!

This is such a great wonderful book. It is about the regins of King Cnut, Harold I, Hardicanute, and Edward the Confessor. At the center of all the action is Earl Godwin and his fascinating, well-fleshed family members: Gytha, Harold, Swegyn, and Edith. A must-read for anyone interested in pre-Conquest England.