TY - BOOK AU - Lytton,Edward Bulwer Lytton,Baron TI - Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 11 AV - PR PY - 2005/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - Biographical fiction KW - Harold, King of England, 1022?-1066 -- Fiction KW - William I, King of England, 1027 or 8-1087 -- Fiction KW - Anglo-Saxons -- Kings and rulers -- Fiction KW - Great Britain -- History -- Edward, the Confessor, 1042-1066 -- Fiction KW - Great Britain -- Kings and rulers -- Fiction N1 - Release date is 2005-03-01; This eBook was produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger; Original publication data not identified N2 - "Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 11" by Lytton is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The book centers on the pivotal events surrounding the reign of King Harold II of England during the tumultuous period leading up to the Norman Conquest. The narrative begins with the impending death of King Edward the Confessor and the consequential power struggle among the nobles, specifically focusing on Harold, his ascension to the throne, and the brewing conflict with Duke William of Normandy. The opening of the novel depicts the tense atmosphere in the palace as those awaiting news of the dying king speculate on the succession. Key figures such as Harold, Edith (the King's lady), and church leaders gather as Edward's health declines. The moment is charged with anxiety not only about Edward's passing but also about the legitimacy of Harold's claim to the throne in the face of William's ambitions. As Edward dies, he seemingly endorses Harold as his successor, setting the stage for political intrigue. The opening efficiently establishes the themes of power, loyalty, and impending conflict, laying a foundation for the ensuing historical drama that lingers throughout the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7682 ER -