TheBayeuxTapestry.com
Battle of Hastings 1066 Books
A practical reading guide to the battle, the conquest and the Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry: 58 Scenes Explained
A full-colour guide to all 58 scenes, following the story from Edward the Confessor and Harold's journey through to the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings.
Each scene is presented in sequence with the image, Latin inscription, modern translation and a clear explanation of the people, events and mysteries shown in the embroidery. It is designed for readers who want the complete Tapestry story in one place, whether before a visit, afterwards, or simply as a permanent reference.
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How Harold Lost the Battle of Hastings
Before Breakfast
Ian Pusey · Independently Published · February 2026 · Paperback & Kindle
Ian Pusey's short study challenges the traditional account of the battlefield by concentrating on terrain, movement and the events of the morning of 14 October 1066. It is a useful choice for readers who want a focused alternative argument about how the battle may have unfolded.
Which sort of book are you looking for?
Looking for more books on the Battle of Hastings?
From children's introductions and military histories to scholarly accounts and Osprey campaign guides — Amazon carries the full range, sorted by most recent first.
Browse All Books ↓All Battle of Hastings Books on Amazon
Amazon's live catalogue sorted by most recently published — so the latest scholarship always appears first. Includes current prices, Prime availability, and customer reviews.
Military Histories
Hour-by-hour reconstructions of the battle itself — tactics, terrain, troop movements, and the decisions that decided England's fate. The Osprey Campaign series is particularly strong here.
The Norman Conquest
Broader accounts of the events of 1066 — Harold, William, Harald Hardrada, and the three-way struggle for the English crown. Marc Morris's The Norman Conquest is the modern standard.
Battlefield & Landscape
Books that examine the physical ground of the battle — where the armies stood, what the terrain looked like, and how the landscape shaped the fighting. A growing and fascinating area of scholarship.
Anglo-Saxon England
The world Harold was defending — its culture, its army, its politics, and why 1066 represented such a catastrophic rupture. Essential context for understanding what was actually lost at Hastings.
Children's & Accessible
From Ladybird editions to accessible popular histories — excellent introductions to 1066 for younger readers or anyone coming to the subject fresh. The battle is a natural entry point into medieval history.
Revisionist & Alternative
Books that challenge the orthodox account — questioning the traditional battlefield site, re-reading the primary sources, and asking whether the standard story holds up. Our recommended book above is a fine example of this genre.
Getting the Best from Amazon
- The browse link below is sorted by most recent first — useful for finding new scholarship, but remember that older titles like Marc Morris's The Norman Conquest remain the gold standard despite not appearing at the top.
- Sort by Avg. Customer Review to find the most consistently praised titles across all publication dates — a reliable shortcut for quality.
- The Osprey Campaign series (slim, illustrated, military-focused) is consistently excellent for the battle itself — search specifically for "Hastings 1066 Osprey" if you want that format.
- For the wider Norman Conquest story, filter by "Books" and search "Norman Conquest" separately — you'll find a richer set of results than searching "Battle of Hastings" alone.
- Look for the Prime badge if you want delivery before a visit to Battle Abbey or the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
- The "Customers also bought" section on any product page is invaluable — readers of one good 1066 book have usually found the others too.
Browse Amazon's full catalogue of Battle of Hastings books — sorted by most recently published, with live prices, Prime options, and customer reviews.
Browse All Battle of Hastings Books on Amazon →Opens Amazon.co.uk · Sorted by most recent · Live prices and stock