Martyn Whittock

A wide-ranging and enthralling introduction to Celtic mythology.

If the Viking Wars had not taken place, would there have been a united England in the tenth century? Martyn Whittock believes not, arguing that without them there would have been no rise of the Godwin family and their conflict with Edward the Confessor, no Norman connection, no Norman Conquest and no Domesday Book. All of these features of English history were the products, or by-products, of these conflicts and the threat of Scandinavian attack. The wars and responses to them accelerated economic growth; stimulated state formation and an assertive sense of an English national identity; created a hybrid Anglo-Scandinavian culture that spread beyond the so-called Danelaw; and caused an upheaval in the ruling elite. By looking at the entire period of the wars and by taking a holistic view of their political, economic, social and cultural effects, their many-layered impact can at last be properly assessed.

An invaluable addition to the highly regarded Brief History series.

A fascinating new portrait of Medieval Britain that brings together the everyday and the extraordinary.

Focusing on the Crusades, this is one of a history series, modular in structure, which offers teachers the flexibility to design their own scheme of work at Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. Each book covers all the core study units and also a wide range of optional units, and aims to be visually stimulating as well as offering activities which develop both skills and understanding. An extensive selection of primary and secondary sources is provided. Each pupil book is accompanied by a teacher's assessment and resource pack which includes photocopiable worksheets.

Focusing on the Roman Empire, this is one of a history series which offers teachers the flexibility to design their own scheme of work at Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. A teacher's assessment and resource pack, including photocopiable worksheets, is also available.