This book is a fairly important summerization of the origins and exploits of that conquering race of Northmen known as the Normans. Having read several books on the subject, I looked forward to gaining another author's point of view on such famous names as Robert Guiscard, Bohemond, Tancred, and of course, William the Conquerer/Bastard.
Mr. Brown quickly (perhaps too much so)covers the orginis of the Normans and the establishment of the Norman state in northern France. He then compartmentalizes the rest of the content into the three main areas of Norman exploit, namely William's invasion and conquering of England, the Norman invasion and subjugation of southern Italy and Sicily, and finally the Norman impact on the First Crusade. Although these events do somewhat follow parallel timelines, Mr. Brown's approach does lend well to the flow and rhythm of the book.
One disappointing aspect of the book however, is the author's choice of illustrations for this book. The majority of photos included are those of Norman architecture and Norman influence on buildings in far away places such as Antioch and Apulia. Important yes, but an over-abundance in a work such as this.
Overall, this book is a little compact for such an enormous subject that deserves so much attention, but can still be a moderately valuable addition to your library. ( )