The Copybook: Readings in history and literature

1

From the British Museum, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Fatal Counsel by Henry of Huntingdon

King Edmund Ironside’s courageous defence of his crown against the invading Danes was undermined by treachery at home.

Read

2

By Matthew Paris (1200-1259), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence Public domain.

The Battle of Assandun by Henry of Huntingdon

The invading Danes fought so fiercely that Edmund Ironside, the young English king, threw all caution to the wind.

Read

3

The Duel of the Kings by Henry of Huntingdon

Edmund Ironside, King of England, and Cnut the Great, King of Denmark, fought hand-to-hand for one of European history’s richest purses.

Read

4

The Murder of Edmund Ironside by Henry of Huntingdon

Edric’s treason handed the crown of England to Cnut the Great, but Cnut was not so poor a judge of character as to believe that a traitor could be trusted.

Read

5

Turning the Tide by Henry of Huntingdon

King Canute enacted a memorable demonstration of the limits of government power.

Read