William the Conqueror Author:Jacob Abbott William of Normandy embodied the reckless, adventuresome spirit of his Viking ancestors. Having established a firm rule over his domain on the northwestern coast of France, he looked across the English Channel with longing eyes upon the kingdom of England and determined to add this jewel to his realm. The quick invasion and victory that resulted... more », remembered in history as the Norman Conquest, established forever the name of William the Conqueror in the volumes of world history. Through this fascinating life story, biographer Jacob Abbott shows how the very traits that brought this great leader to power - pride and ambition - brought him to a bitter end.« less