King Harald III (called Hardrada, the “Hard Ruler”) of Norway was a real-life fantasy hero who burst into history as a teenaged youth in a Viking battle, from which he escaped with little more than his life and a thirst for vengeance. Journey with him across the medieval world, from the frozen barrens of the North to the glittering towers of Byzantium and the passions of the Holy Land. He’ll fight for and against Christian, Muslim and pagan rulers. He’ll bed handmaids, a princess and an empress alike, writing poetry and amassing a fortune along the way, before returning home to claim his love, his crown and his destiny, and ultimately die like a Viking: in battle, laughing, sword in hand.
OSPREY PUBLISHING
2021
BEST SELLER
Sold 4th Quarter only.
Release date September 7th, 2021.
SAMPLE CHAPTERS:
INTRODUCTION
Visit Reykholt, Iceland, home of Snorri Sturluson, the 12th Century Icelandic historian and author of King Harald’s Saga. The Last Viking uses sources unavailable to Snorri.
I
SEVEN FEET OF ENGLISH GROUND
September 1066: Harald defeats the English army at Fulford, near York, and meets the Anglo-Saxon king at Stamford Bridge.
II
EYE OF GOD
Flash back to 1030, as young Harald takes part in his first battle, at Stiklestad in Norway, alongside his brother King Olaf II.
My interview with Northern Irish historian and author Gareth Russell
on his “Single Malt History” podcast.
Interview starts at 18:58.
REVIEWS:
If you love Frans Bengtsson’s picaresque masterpiece, “The Long Ships,” Robert Graves’s intrigue-suffused “I, Claudius,” or heroic fantasy in the mold of Robert E. Howard, George R.R. Martin and Howard Andrew Jones, you owe it to yourself to pick up “The Last Viking.” It’s that exciting, that good.
Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Dirda,
The Washington Post
A Viking’s tale of sex, pillage and gore.... The Last Viking reads like the sagas on which it is based. It’s Beowulf on steroids, laced with purple prose.... This book is great fun.
Michael DeGroot
The London Times
An inherently fascinating, absorbing, entertaining, deftly written, impressively informative, and extraordinarily detailed account.
Midwest Book Review
Valhalla on earth for ‘Thrones’ fans.
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Hollway has done his due diligence in researching this great story, one utterly worthy of being retold. He has pulled from the great Norse sagas and historical documents to assemble this story of an epic life. Not only will readers learn about the life of Harald, but also the many historic events that took place in the Byzantine Empire, Scandinavia, and England. They will also be introduced to numerous Norse kings, princes, princesses, writers, and men of military might... For anyone who is a fan of Viking lore and history, “The Last Viking” is a thrilling read. For anyone else, it is still a thrilling read with an iconic ending at Stamford Bridge. An ending fit for a king. An ending fit for a Viking.
The Epoch Times
A rich telling of the saga of the Last Viking, King Harald. All the research and legends woven into a history book that reads like a novel. An outstanding reference work for all Viking buffs and historians alike.
The Word Whisperer
To those with an interest in the period, this book is well worth the read. If it's Vikings, the Byzantine Empire, the era itself, tactics and weaponry across the time etc, this is well worth adding to the bookshelf. If you want to know more about Hardrada himself, this is probably the best biography out there. A word of caution, it's not a book to dip into or flick through – this is one for those who want to sit with a brew and take their time.
The Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)
Unofficial voice of the British Army
Don Hollway has done a painstakingly brilliant job of bringing Harald’s story to life in the pages of this book.... Indeed, it is a wonder that Hollywood has yet to come calling to transpose his story to the big screen. But were they to do so, they could do worse than read this fascinating account and to drop its author a line.
Aspects of History
Hollway is a master storyteller, weaving together Hardrada’s life into a biography that you can’t put down. His writing draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. The Last Viking reads more like an adventure novel than a historical biography.... From beginning to end it is an engrossing and captivating biography that you won’t put down! Whether you’re a seasoned historian, a newcomer or somewhere in between The Last Viking will make an excellent addition to your library.
Medieval Archives
The story pulls you in, and doesn’t let go.
Stephen Harding, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Battle
Riveting! Open this book and be prepared to see it through to the end. Fascinating and thoroughly engaging!
Edward Zapletal, History Magazine
Don Hollway tells this astonishing story with immediacy and verve, making use of an enormous breadth of sources. He necessarily provides a great deal of context to his narrative, but it never flags, although some of the violence is not for the faint-hearted. An engaging and unexpected read.
Country Life Magazine
Don Hollway not only knows the history, he also knows how to tell a great story. The Last Viking is a masterful and pulse-pounding narrative that transports the reader into the middle of the action. Hollway weaves together multiple original sources, and he clearly has a deep understanding of the period. He gives us a convincing and detailed story of this fascinating Viking king.
Carl Gnam, Publisher, Military Heritage Magazine
This is a lively and fun retelling of the story of Harald Hardrada, the famous Norwegian king. There is, without doubt, no greater symbol of an 11th-century warrior-adventurer.
Professor Kelly DeVries, History Dept., Loyola University
Author of The Norwegian Invasion of England in 1066
Well-suited to an audience which is interested, but not specialist, in Viking Age history. Readers will benefit from the engaging writing style that gives a useful overall history while being introduced to actual primary sources which can be pursued for deeper understanding…. A very enjoyable read, worthy of readily recommending to friends.
Dr. Carolyn McNamara, Ph.D
University of Glasgow
As a biography, it offers a marvelous, in-depth examination of King Harald and his clever rise and ignominious fall. Enjoyed it.
Russ Lockwood
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
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PUBLICITY CONTACTS:
REPRESENTATION
Scott Mendel, Managing Partner
Mendel Media Group LLC
About the author
Author/historian/illustrator Don Hollway has been published in Aviation History, Excellence, History Magazine, Military Heritage, Military History, Civil War Quarterly, Muzzleloader, Porsche Panorama, Renaissance Magazine, Scientific American, Vietnam, Wild West, and World War II magazines. His work is also available in paperback, hardcover and across the internet, a number of his pages scoring extremely high in global search rankings.
donhollway.com
More from Don Hollway:
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