Add this copy of Wulf the Saxon to cart. $18.81, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2015 by Lulu.com.
Add this copy of Wulf the Saxon to cart. $42.89, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Lulu. com.
"...The Norman put his hand to his dagger, but there was an ominous growl from some men who had paused to listen to the quarrel.
'You are an insolent boor, Wulf of Steyning, and some day I will punish you as you deserve.'
'Some day,' the Saxon laughed, 'we shall, I hope, see you and all your tribe sent across the Channel. There are few of us here who would not see your backs with pleasure.'"
Thus starts Wulf the Saxon, a historical novel by G. A. Henty describing the Norman conquest of England. This tale follows the adventures of Wulf, an orphaned lad of fifteen years, who is page to Earl Harold, leader of the West Saxons. Wulf quarrels with a Norman page, and in consequence is sent to his estates of Steyning, the lands of his dead father, which would someday be his own. At this pleasant property, Wulf spends nearly a year learning the art of war, discovering the state of his tenants and pursuing his studies.
Upon his return to London, Wulf sets out with a large party under the head of Earl Harold on a hunting expedition. Among the party is Beorn, a great friend of Wulf?s and a fellow orphan. Attendant to our hero is Osgod, son to a London blacksmith, who is dedicated to his young master, and shows this with his unending service. While at sea, a great storm arises and blows Earl Harold?s ship, in which young Wulf and Beorn are sailing, upon the shores of Normandy.
Duke William of Normandy is an ambitious ruler who wishes to posses the throne of England after the death of its present king, Edward. To his annoyance, Earl Harold stands in his way as the probable heir to the throne. Thus, although Normandy and England are at peace, Duke William would gladly entertain a chance of furthering his claims upon the throne of England.
Although wrecked upon this inhospitable coast, most of the voyagers survive and are promptly imprisoned by a petty noble. Harold and his thanes are consigned to loathsome dungeons, but the noble leaves Wulf and Beorn to serve him as pages. From this castle the two friends escape, taking the news of Harold?s degrading imprisonment to Duke William. The wily ruler immediately sends men to rescue Harold. While in the Norman court, Wulf and Beorn meet a Norman page named Gee DeBurgh which begins a great friendship between the three lads, a friendship that will lead to great things.
While in Normandy, those with Harold fight against the savage Bretons under the banner of Duke William. During a desperate encounter, Wulf saves the life of young Gee DeBurgh, cementing the friendship between the young noble?s family and himself. Although grateful for the help in subduing the Bretons, the unprincipled Duke, Before allowing the shipwrecked Saxons to leave his country, forces Harold to give promises to aid William gain the throne of England.
Soon after their safe arrival in England, King Edward dies, and Harold is raised to the throne. Enemies take advantage of the confusion surrounding these events, and the fate of England lies in the balance, as Viking and Norman armies invade Harold?s domains. Now, Wulf and Beorn are on the eve of participating in a battle that will change the history of Britain: the battle near Hastings bridge.
Shepherdgirl
Apr 9, 2008
This is one of my favorite Henty's. Wulf is a young Saxon thane in the service of Harold Godwinson. He is with Harold when Harold is held captive by William of Normandy and performs a service to William that William says he will not forget. Wulf is present at the battle with Harald Hardrada, and at the battle of Hastings. His life is saved at Hastings by Duke William, who did not forget his promise to Wulf.
