St. Edward the Confessor, King of the English, is commonly despised by historians. He was the last of his dynasty, and after his death his country was conquered by foreigners—which was exactly what he wanted. In this chilling, fast-paced novel, the different customs, races, and languages of England during the Dark Ages, as well as the period’s violence and struggle for power, all come vividly back to life. The authenticity and sense of place have seldom been bettered.

From “one of the best literary novelists of this century” (Times Literary Supplement) comes a fascinating novel set in the twilight of the Byzantine Empire. Through the tale of the ruthless nobleman, Roussel de Balliol, his wife Lady Matilda, and Roger—attached to Balliol’s force—we receive a vivid and vital picture of 11th-century life. “An extremely gifted writer who can move into an unknown period and give it life and immediacy.”—New York Times.

Hewing closely to historical fact, Lord Geoffrey’s Fancy presents a beautifully detailed, fast-paced study of the 13th-century and its world of knights and crusaders, courtly love, and chivalry. The hero, Sir Geoffrey de Bruyere, is “the best knight in all Romanie,” and we follow him through lively hunts and brightly-colored jousting tournaments to fierce battles, as he fights for God and justice against the Turks he regards as infidels. A satisfying and thrilling medieval tale.