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Cnut
Cnut

Cnut

England's Viking King 1016-35

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY

256 Pages, 6.3 x 9.06

Formats: Trade Paper

Trade Paper, $24.95 (US $24.95) (CA $27.95)

Publication Date: June 2011

ISBN 9780752460697

Rights: US & CA

The History Press (Jun 2011)

Sorry, this item is temporarily out of stock
 

Overview

An meticulously researched biography of one of the most important kings of England

King Cnut ruled England from 1017 to 1035 and left behind him a legacy of peace, law and order. However, the beginnings of his kingship were less auspicious. He was a cruel and vicious warrior, who invaded England with his father Swegen Forkbeard, perhaps at a tender age. After Swegen's death in 1014 Cnut went home to Denmark to gather his forces. He returned the following year and conquered much of England in his bid for the Crown, but even on the death of Aethelred II the English refused to proclaim him king. However, his victory over the alternative candidate, Aethelred's son King Edmund Ironside, at the battle of Ashingdon, forced a division of the country between the two. Shortly afterwards, Edmund died and Cnut became undisputed ruler.

Reviews

"An exhaustive review of the original sources . . . excellent."  —English Historical Review

Author Biography

M K Lawson brings to life the reality of this paradoxical king: his ruthlessness in the face of his enemies alongside his piety and law-giving nature. He also provides an insight into how a Danish king managed to accommodate himself to an English system of law and order that has resonated through history.