Tom Holland – Athelstan

The formation of England happened against the odds – the division of the country into rival kingdoms, the assaults of the Vikings, the precarious position of the island on the edge of the known world. But King Alfred ensured the survival of Wessex, his son Eadweard expanded it, and his grandson Athelstan finally united Mercia and Wessex, conquered Northumbria and became Rex totius Britanniae.

Tom Holland recounts this extraordinarily exciting story with relish and drama, leading us to understand the often confusing history of the Anglo-Saxon kings better than ever before. Athelstan goes back to the very beginning of the British monarchy and tells the story of Alfred (Athelstan’s grandfather) and Wessex, as well as Athelstan’s own reign.Tom Holland – Athelstan

Tom is the author of several novels and revered historical works together with short fiction, drama and documentaries and he is a presenter of Radio 4’s Making History. He served as chair of the Society of Authors and is a member of the Authors XI cricket team.