Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 02

"Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 02" by Lytton is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The book depicts the political and social dynamics of England during the time of King Edward the Confessor and the looming conflict between the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons. It delves into themes of loyalty, ambition, and the struggle for power as England faces the influence of outside forces and internal dissent. In this volume, the narrative unfolds through a series of feasts and gatherings that reveal the intricate relationships among key figures, such as Duke William of Normandy, the cleric Lanfranc, and the Saxon nobles. Following a lavish royal banquet fraught with tension, the arrival of two unexpected guests stirs unrest within the hall. As Duke William grapples with impending threats from rebels and conflicts regarding his marriage to Matilda of Flanders, Lanfranc emerges as a pivotal figure, advocating for the Duke's ambitions and the political stability of Normandy. The presence of Harold, the outlaw and son of Godwin, looms over the narrative, acting as a symbol of native resistance against the encroaching Norman power, shaping the conflict that will define England's future. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.