Jaguar Xk8 The Authorised Biography Book

The text is amusing and clever. Harold did not merely die at the battle of Hastings, he "abandoned the fight in order to investigate the surprises of a future state."

On William the Conquerer:
"William's death was one of the most attractive features of his reign."

On the common people:
"The common people were cheerily permitted the use of what atmosphere they needed for breathing purposes, on their solemn promise to return it, and at the close of life... they might contribute to the fertility of the royal vegetable garden."

On serfdom:
"A serf was required to be at hand night or day when the baron needed someone to kick."

The illustrations are masterpieces of comic art; I bought this book for the pictures. The facts and dates are valid and the chronology and major characters are real, but don't take this book too seriously. There are so many characters it is hard to tell them apart. A royal blur of Edwards, Henrys, Williams, etc., over 1,500 years of British history, from Julius Caesar to Henry VIII. Not recommended for serious scholars, but can be fun if you are in the mood.