The King in the North

By Max Adams, Max Adams,

Book cover of The King in the North: The Life and Times of Oswald of Northumbria

Book description

'A triumph - a Game of Thrones in the Dark Ages' TOM HOLLAND.

The magisterial biography of Oswald Whiteblade, exiled prince of Northumbria, who returned in blood and glory to reclaim his birthright.

A charismatic leader, a warrior whose prowess in battle earned him the epithet Whiteblade, an exiled prince…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

2 authors picked The King in the North as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Good research is so important to me and this is the historical study that I’d recommend to anyone who wants to know more about the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria. Max Adams has studied the period in detail, but his style of writing is easy to read and sometimes exciting, so much so that I almost felt that I was reading a novel. I love the way Max Adams suggests various possible scenarios, from the written evidence, studies, and archaeology that we have. This is a perfect research book for a novelist, wanting to bring the time period to life. I…

From Theresa's list on throwing light into the Dark Ages.

For anyone interested in the history of Northumbria in particular, and more broadly, the British Isles of the seventh century, Max Adams’ The King in the North is the must-have book. Ostensibly, it is a biography of King Oswald of Northumbria, but in reality it covers much of the century and what transpired before and after his reign.

From Matthew's list on the world of Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Want books like The King in the North?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 55 books like The King in the North.

Browse books like The King in the North

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Anglo Saxons, the Dark Ages, and Vikings?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Anglo Saxons, the Dark Ages, and Vikings.

Anglo Saxons Explore 49 books about Anglo Saxons
The Dark Ages Explore 17 books about the Dark Ages
Vikings Explore 113 books about Vikings