"A lively subject, depicted with dash and color, brought to bright life with telling detail. Morris gives a compelling account of the invasion by William the Conqueror in 1066 and the violent struggle thereafter. Morris provides a much-needed, modern account of the Normans in England that respects past events more than present ideologies."

– The Times (London)

"It has been argued that the Norman conquest of England, initiated by William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hasting in 1066, was the single most important event in all of English history. Marc Morris’ meticulous and absorbing analysis of this seismic historical shift reaffirms that sweeping assertion. But where Morris’ book really excels is in its understanding of the conquest’s ramifications for the nation’s demographics, language, and ruling elite."

– Providence Journal, Best Book of the Year

A historian who specializes in the Middle Ages, especially that period’s monarchies and aristocracy, Morris takes thoroughness to new heights as he compares all the available sources in this valuable text. A thoroughly enjoyable book from an historian’s historian who can write for the masses

– Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Stunning in its action and drama, this book illuminates fully what turns out to have been a tangled and violent passage in history."

– Kansas City Star, Best Book of the Year