In the Days of William the Conqueror

by Eva March Tappan

William’s indefatigable ambition transcends castles, seas, and even kingdoms. His calculated actions and bold decisions alter the course of history, culminating in his ascension to the English throne.Experience the turbulent 11th century, a time when the clangor of swords and the cries of warriors were woven into the fabric of Europe. William’s ascent to the throne, his decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings, and his efforts to consolidate power are vividly portrayed in this engaging historical narrative. Beyond the battlefield, the book delves into the societal changes, legal reforms, and cultural shifts that marked William’s reign. Tappan’s skillful storytelling and attention to historical detail make this book a compelling read for history lovers, students, and anyone intrigued by the life and legacy of one of England’s most influential monarchs.

Genres: History

203 pages, Hardcover

First published December 19, 2006

About the author

Eva March Tappan was a teacher and American author born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, the only child of Reverend Edmund March Tappan and Lucretia Logée. Eva graduated from Vassar College in 1875. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an editor of the Vassar Miscellany. After leaving Vassar she began teaching at Wheaton College where she taught Latin and German from 1875 until 1880. From 1884–94 she was the Associate Principal at the Raymond Academy in Camden, New Jersey. She received graduate degrees in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Tappan was the head of the English department at the English High School at Worcester, Massachusetts. She began her literary career writing about famous characters in history and developed an interest in writing children books. Tappan never married.

Reviews

[Angela Bergeron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite Eva March Tappan book, but it did a good job in many parts. Some parts were confusing and I wasn't really sure what was happening, but others really brought the time period to life.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

for heroes group

Great short intro to the life of William the Conqueror. I loved getting the picture of the times and what it might be like to be a child then.

This book chronicles the events from just before William's father meets his mother, through William's death. I think it will be great for the boys to understand many things about those times such as caste (William was scorned by many of the nobility because his mother was a peasant), to the quarrels between kings and the church, to the deception and politicking of many who vied for power. It will be interesting to see how the boys react to William's deception that won him the crown of England. I will like to hear their reaction to William's otherwise stern and hard, but otherwise merciful nature to this act of underhanded fraud. I also want to hear what these youngsters have to say about "not having enough" --with all the power he had, why did William have to have England as well?

It should be a good discussion--

Well written for ages 8-16 (older kids and adults will still enjoy it as an introduction). Nothing objectionable (unless one objects to mention of the violence of the times--). Good story with themes of loyalty, bravery, leadership, mercy, as well as greed and deceit. I like these old biographies, written without glossing over the faults of the times, without moralizing according to modern sensibility, without apology or really any commentary--just the story. I'm surely positive many things were left out (of course, it was only 239 pages) but I felt it was an adequate intro to the man & times. Pictures were great. Great copy from "Yesterday's Classics" press.

[Melissa]

Reading with Rushton for heroes group.