CONTENTS

List of maps

Author’s note

Introduction

PART I     The tiger in the smoke, 789–878

TIMELINE 1: 789-878

Forespæc

1 Landscape with figures

2 Central places

3 The incoming tide

4 The End of Days

PART II   Newton’s cradle, 879–918

TIMELINE 2: 879–918

Forespæc

5 The balance of power

6 Arrivals and departures

7 Fragmentary annals

8 Politics by other means

PART III  Going native, 919–955

TIMELINE 3: 919–955

Forespæc

9 Innate affinities with ambiguity

10 Lawyers, guns and money

11 A house of cards

12 The illusory prize

APPENDIX

Regnal tables

Rulers of Wessex 802–955

Rulers of York 867–955

Rulers of Mercia 757–924

Rulers of Pictavia; Dál Riata; Alba 839–955

Rulers of the Welsh 808–950

Abbreviations, sources and references

Notes

Bibliography

Picture credits

Acknowledgements

Index