Brainbiter: The Saga Of Hereward The Wake

by Jack Ogden

In 1066, William the Conqueror has triumphed at the battle of Hastings.but Saxon resistance has just begun. This book, based on the surviving 12th century manuscript "de Gestis Herewardi Saxoni", traces the fortunes of the warrior Hereward the Wake as he is banished from his village of Brunn for his rash anarchic ways, to sell his skills as a mercenary. Then, as an outlaw he helps organise the great resistance at Ely, before returning to claim the lands the Normans had seized from his family. His biographer is the pensive and sometimes reluctant priest Leofric who becomes embroiled in the shipwrecks, battles and bloodshed when he vows to help his friend and seek salvation for his own guilt-ridden soul.This is a well-researched adventure story that recreates all the feudalism, brutality and superstition of medieval society in the days of Norman and Saxon enmity. It also raises 'big' questions about the nature of faith, revenge and mercy. It is a well-crafted, exciting and often subtly humorous tale. Imagine George MacDonald Fraser re-writing "Robin Hood".

Genres: Historical Fiction

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Renowned gemologist and jewelry historian Jack Ogden, FGA, was appointed chief executive of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain, on Nov. 1,2004. Based at Gem-A's Hatton Garden headquarters, Ogden is responsible for all Gem-A operations, including education, instruments, and research, and will oversee the ongoing development of the Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain.