This book provides the details that will help you understand the political arena in Britain at the time and how the Godwinson family not only provided counseling to the king, but became the most powerful family in Britain. Mr. Lytton has researched the materials in detail and provides a very easy read for anyone interested in the history of the Britain. I found my original opinions of King Harold changing for the positive as I learned more about his life, his abilities as a leader and his remarkable response to the invasion of Britain in a matter of days by two powerful armies. It is amazing how a simple arrow in the last moments of a day long battle have changed history and the propaganda that followed to justify the invasion by William. Truly a great book to read and difficult to put down.