Harald Hardrada had a career that spanned much of the known world of the eleventh century. Here was a man who was born in Norway, was exiled to Russia, spent time as a mercenary leader in Constantinople, journeyed to Jerusalem and won military campaigns in Sicily. In later life he became king of Norway, but this was not enough for him. For years he fought a series of campaigns to try and add Denmark to his dominions before launching an attempt to conquer England.

Harald ultimately died a Viking death at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, though in the process he might have sealed the fate of his opponent, King Harold Godwinson of England just a few weeks later at Hastings. This is a remarkable story, told in part through archaeology and in part through chronicles and Viking sagas. Harald might be considered the last Viking, but whether or not this is the case, what cannot be denied is that this is the story of a life that opens a window into a world that is long past, one characterised by epic deeds, chicanery and incredible adventure.

'Bartlett impressively sustains a narrative wide geographic scope and political complexity, detailing all the major events, plus a host of others which, in truth, are more anecdotal of skaldic and primary-source material that is well reference by the author.' * Military History Matters Magazine, August/September 2025 *

W. B. Bartlett is both an experienced historian with a number of publications already to his credit and has also travelled and worked abroad extensively. In his varied career, he has visited fifty countries, working in many of them for extended periods. This has enabled him to understand just how powerful the impact of history can be in our understanding of the world in which we live. He is the author of many history books for Amberley, including titles on the Dam Busters, Titanic, Anglo-Saxons, King Cnut and the Vikings. He lives in Bournemouth.