The acclaimed Penguin Monarchs series short, fresh, expert accounts of Englands rulers now in paperbackThe formation of England happened against the odds the division of the country into rival kingdoms, the assaults of the Vikings, the precarious position of the island on the edge of the known world. But King Alfred ensured the survival of Wessex, his son Eadweard expanded it, and his grandson thelstan finally united Mercia and Wessex, conquered Northumbria and became Rex totius Britanniae. Tom Holland recounts this extraordinarily exciting story with relish and drama. We meet the great figures of the age, including Alfred and his daughter thelfld, Lady of the Mercians, who brought thelstan up at the Mercian court. At the end of the book we understand the often confusing history of the AngloSaxon kings better than ever before.

Binding: Paperback;144 pages; Publisher: TBS-Penguin Random House Wholesale; Classification: BGH; Weight: 208 g; Dimensions: 114 x 212 x 19

Something not quite right? You have 28 days from the day you receive it, to send something back.

Please note, we cannot offer refunds on fashion face masks, cosmetics, pierced jewellery, adult toys, and swimwear or lingerie if the hygiene seal is not in place or has been broken.

Items of footwear and/or clothing must be unworn and unwashed with the original labels attached. Also, footwear must be tried on indoors. Items of homeware including bedlinen, mattresses, and toppers, and pillows must be unused and in their original unopened packaging. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Click here to view our full Returns Policy.