Fortune's Knave: The Making of William the Conqueror

Brings to life the legendary historical figure of William the Conqueror, beginning with his turbulent childhood as the illegitimate son and only heir of the Duke of Normandy. By the author of Command of the King. When Robert of Normandy dies while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he not only leaves behind the peasant woman Herleve and their illegitimate son William, he leaves his duchy in turmoil. There are many claimants to Robert's duchy, but the claimants and their allies do not count on Herleve's determination to see her son inherit, or on William's precicious leadership and battle skills. Not much more than a child, William makes the most of his alliances-with King Henry of France, with Count Baldwin of Flanders, and most significantly of all with the count's beautiful, independent daughter Matilda. The bargain they strike will have far-reaching consequences for not only Norman but lands beyond.