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  • The Bastard King

  • By: Jean Plaidy
  • Narrated by: Jilly Bond
  • Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (32 ratings)

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The Bastard King cover art

The Bastard King

By: Jean Plaidy
Narrated by: Jilly Bond
Try for £0.00

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Summary

William the Conqueror is destined to succeed his father as the Duke of Normandy but questions about his legitimacy mean he consistently faces challenges from potential usurpers in the Duchy to retain the title.

He marries Matilda, the equally intelligent and ambitious daughter of the King of Flanders, and together they have many children. In 1066, he crosses the channel from Normandy to England and seizes the crown from King Harold, Edward the Confessor's popular successor.

This is the roller-coaster account of his efforts to become sovereign and the events in his life afterwards, including his turbulent relationships with various members of his family.
©1974 Jean Plaidy (P)2013 Isis Publishing Ltd
Historical Fiction
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Profile Image for Mrs. M. Kirk

William the conqueror

I have really enjoyed this book. I had heard of Jean plaidy but it is only after exhausting Phillipa Gregory's novels that I have actually turned to Plaidy's novels. Looking forward to exploring her views on history.

3 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Mary Collin

William the Conqueror - a powerful story

I loved this book and have always meant to re-read it after my first reading back in the 1970s. It set me on a path to reading many of Jean Plaidy's historical novels.

To revisit it on audio has been thoroughly enjoyable. A great story, engagingly read by Jilly Bond who brought the characters to life.

I suspect I'm back on the journey with the Normans and the Plantagenets now and I'm ready to order the next two books in this trilogy.

Worth the wait - almost 40 years!

2 people found this helpful