First time in paperback. Author a major expert on 11th Century English and Norman history. Author's previous books widely praised (see below).Between these pages, the critically acclaimed historian Peter Rex masterfully tells the story of Saint Edward the Confessor. Born when England was besieged by bloodthirsty Vikings, the future King of England was forced into exile in Normandy to escape the Danish invasion.Often portrayed as a holy simpleton, Edward was in fact a wily and devious King. To most kings a childless marriage would have been an Achilles heel to their reign, but Edward turned this to his advantage. He cunningly played off his potential rivals and successors to his advantage using the prize of the throne as leverage.

Edward s posthumous reputation grew as the monks of his magnificent foundation, Westminster Abbey, spread stories. The childless King was transformed through the monks vision into a chaste, pious and holy man. Miracles were attributed to him and he was credited with the King s Touch the ability to cure illnesses by touch alone. In 1161, he was canonized as Saint Edward the Confessor and is the patron saint of the Royal Family.REVIEWS Before reading, Edward the Confessor, King of England, I'd read only brief commentaries, or essays on him. I feel well acquainted with Edward after reading Peter Rex's bookImpressionist Ink".