Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 03

"Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 03" by Lytton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century, specifically during the Victorian era. This volume navigates the tumultuous period leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, primarily focused on the political and personal rivalries surrounding Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon king. The book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash between Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures as tensions rise in the kingdom. The narrative centers on Earl Godwin and his sons, especially Harold, as they navigate a fractured realm plagued by civil strife and foreign threats. Following Godwin's return from exile, the tension between the Saxons and Normans heightens, culminating in dramatic confrontations where personal ambitions collide with the fate of the kingdom. Characters like Siward of Northumbria and Tostig, along with the enigmatic figure of the Vala Hilda, add depth to the political intrigue, illustrating the intricacies of power and loyalty during this pivotal era. The story captures the urgency and stakes of the era, as Harold strives to unite the Saxon people against their Norman adversaries, while internal family conflicts and external pressures threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. (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.