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The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War
by Frederick Downs Jr."The best damned book from the point of view of the infantrymen who fought there."--Army Times Among the best books ever written about men in combat, The Killing Zone tells the story of the platoon of Delta One-six, capturing what it meant to face lethal danger, to follow orders, and to search for the conviction and then the hope that this war was worth the sacrifice. The book includes a new chapter on what happened to the platoon members when they came home.
The Killing of Reinhard Heydrich: The SS "Butcher of Prague"
by Callum MacdonaldIf anyone warranted assassination during World War II, the man to know was Reinhard Heydrich (1904?1942)?chief of the security police, rabid anti-Semite, architect of the Final Solution, ruthless over
The Killing of Worlds: Book Two Of Succession (Succession #2)
by Scott Westerfeld“The successor to The Risen Empire is just as fine a rip-roaring space opera”—from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author (Booklist).Captain Laurent Zai of the Imperial frigate Lynx is a walking dead man. Unjustly held responsible for the death of the Child Empress, sister of the immortal Emperor, Zai has been sent to fight an unwinnable battle. The Lynx must stop a vastly superior Rix ship from reaching the planet Legis, a suicide mission that will almost certainly end in oblivion for Captain Zai and his crew.On the planet Legis below, a Rix compound mind—a massive emergent AI formed from every computer on the planet—has been isolated by their Imperial blockade. But the mind has guided a lone Rix commando, Herd, to the planet’s frozen north, and will soon order a desperate attempt to seize a polar communications array and break the blockade. Ten light-years away, Captain Zai’s true love, the psychic (some say mad) Senator Nara Oxham is engaged in a deadly game of political intrigue. From her position on the Emperor’s War Council, Senator Oxham must find a way to forestall the Emperor’s final solution if the blockade is broken: a nuclear strike to destroy the compound mind, which will also kill millions of Imperial citizens. She suspects that the Emperor has a hidden weakness discovered by the mind, a secret so dangerous to his immortal dynasty that to prevent its discovery the Emperor is willing to countenance the ultimate crime . . . The killing of worlds.
The Killing of the Iron Twelve: An Account of the Largest Execution of British Soldiers on the Western Front in the First World War
by Hedley Malloch&“[A] compelling read . . . Highly recommended for its extraordinarily powerful insight into the fragged edges of the first months of the European War.&” —The Western Front Association Why did the Germans brutally and illegally execute a group of British soldiers who had been trapped behind the lines during the retreat to the Marne in 1914? Hedley Malloch, in this gripping and meticulously researched account, vividly describes the fate the soldiers on the run, and of the French civilians who sheltered them. He tells a dramatic and tragic story of escape, betrayals and punishment that also gives a fascinating insight into the life stories of the soldiers and civilians involved and the mind-set of the German army on the Western Front. The book names the German officers responsible for this atrocity and explores their motivations. &“This is an episode of WW1 with which I am not familiar, and one that I found particularly fascinating and, at the same time, harrowing. The author attempts to set the record straight by naming the perpetrators of this enormous outrage.&” —Books Monthly &“Hedley Malloch, who is chair of the Iron Memorial fund and Honorary Life Member of the RMFA, has done a wonderful job with his book, a true memorial in its own right to those that were executed; innocent soldiers who just happened to find themselves on the wrong side of the lines.&” —Redcoat and Khaki &“If you have a Top Ten &‘books on the First World War&’—then make room for The Killing of the Iron Twelve by Hedley Malloch.&” —The Western Front Association
The Kindly Ones: A Novel
by Jonathan Littell“Simply astounding. . . . The Kindly Ones is unmistakably the work of a profoundly gifted writer.” — TimeA literary prize-winner that has been an explosive bestseller all over the world, Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones has been called “a brilliant Holocaust novel. . . a world-class masterpiece of astonishing brutality, originality, and force,” (Michael Korda, The Daily Beast). Destined to join the pantheon of classic epics of war such as Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Vasily Grossman’s Life and Fate, The Kindly Ones offers a profound and gripping experience of the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust.A former Nazi officer, Dr. Maximilien Aue has reinvented himself, many years after the war, as a middle-class family man and factory owner in France. An intellectual steeped in philosophy, literature, and classical music, he is also a cold-blooded assassin and the consummate bureaucrat. Through the eyes of this cultivated yet monstrous man we experience in disturbingly precise detail the horrors of the Second World War and the Nazi genocide of the Jews. Eichmann, Himmler, Göring, Speer, Heydrich, Höss—even Hitler himself—play a role in Max's story. An intense and hallucinatory historical epic, The Kindly Ones is also a morally challenging read. It holds a mirror up to humanity—and the reader cannot look away.
The King Bee
by A. N. OlsenBen Moreell was the first non-Naval Academy graduate to be awarded the four stars of an Admiral. He is still the only staff corps officer to be promoted to Admiral. The history of the U.S. Navy Seabees and the biography of Admiral Ben Moreell are inseparable. Immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he began forming the construction units that ultimately became known as the Seabees. The first battalion of Seabees deployed from the U.S. on 27 Jan. '42. This instantaneous effort to recruit, train, organize, equip and deploy a military unit is still recognized as an amazing achievement. Ultimately over 300,000 Seabees were involved during WW II. The Seabees built and operated the equipment needed to get troops, equipment and supplies ashore in every amphibious landing of WW II. Beginning in North Africa and continuing to Sicily, Italy and Normandy, they were an essential element of the invasions of Europe. But their island hopping campaign throughout the Pacific with the Marines really made their reputation.They participated in every Pacific invasion together with the Marines with the exception of Guadalcanal, where they arrived about three weeks after the First Marines went ashore. Following the invasions, the Seabees built every sort of facility required by the Marines and the Navy; piers, runways, fuel storage, hospitals, ammo storage, dry docks, and more. The accomplishments of the Seabees continued through Korea, Viet Nam and the middle east. The unique aspect of the fighter-builder Seabees generated a need for a command structure that could respond to both elements at any time. Recognizing this critical feature Moreell achieved a major change to Navy Regulations and obtained the authorization for Civil Engineer Corps officers to be given command of the Seabees. They are still the only staff corps officers who enjoy the privilege of commanding fleet units.Moreell also directed the massive mobilization and construction effort for the Navy and Marine Corps throughout the war as well as dealing with unions, congress, manufacturers, and an ever growing federal bureaucracy. His open and honest dealings were recognized by all and contributed to the successful accomplishments of the Bureau of Yards and Docks during that time.But it Seabees remain his crowning military achievement.Their success in W W II was recognized by Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz in a Seabee birthday anniversary letter to Moreell in which he stated, "....without them we could not have beaten the (Japanese)."An advisor to four Presidents, Ben Moreell's actions forever placed the Civil Engineer Corps and the Seabees solidly in Navy history and tradition.
The King and the Slave
by Tim LeachThe king is dead. Long live the king. When power falls on the shoulders of a young man, only his slave can teach him how to be great. But power corrupts, and absolute power. . . A new novel of the ancient world—in all its splendor and barbarity—from a hotly talented, prize-nominated rising star. Ten years after the fall of Babylon, Cyrus's army is on the march again. His slave Croesus, no longer a young man, accompanies him as always, as does the king's son and heir Cambyses, who has inherited none of his father's diplomacy or charisma and all of his vanity and violence. When the warriors of Persia are unexpectedly crushed in battle Cyrus is put to death, and Cambyses assumes the throne. Croesus, once a king himself, is called upon to guide the young man; but the young man cannot be guided, and after taking offence at an insult by an Egyptian ruler, Cambyses takes the full force of his father's empire to Africa for bloody and brutal vengeance.
The King of Athelney
by Alfred DugganAs the Vikings invade ninth-century England, only Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, takes a stand in this epic novel of medieval warfare. Throughout the British Isles, it was considered foolish to fight those heathen pirates, the Vikings. Prudent statesman paid them off. But they never stayed away for long. King Alfred was different. He alone stood his ground and fought the marauders again and again. But he was never meant to be king. With two older brothers, Alfred was first sent to Rome for confirmation by the Pope himself, to be educated for a life of diplomacy. But a new path was forged on the battlefields of far Wessex. Alfred&’s prowess in battle made him king. His training made him one of the most ingenious and forward-thinking monarchs of his time. Uniting the disparate kingdoms of England wasn&’t his goal. It was his destiny . . .
The King of Italy: A Novel
by Kent HeckenlivelyImmerse yourself in a sweeping family saga spanning decades and including many famous names, including Benito Mussolini and King Victor Immanuel II. In New York Times bestselling author Kent Heckenlively's fiction debut, The King of Italy, we first meet Vincenzo Nicosia as a young boy in Sicily, watching as his father is sent to jail for nearly beating a man to death. The person he blames more than anybody else for this is Alessandro de Leone, the Duke du Taormina, and the illegitimate son of King Victor Immanuel II, the unifier of Italy in the 1870s. Vincenzo is approached by Benito Mussolini as part of his plan to take control in Italy, which involves dealing justice to the long-hated Duke. After completing his part of the plan, Vincenzo is betrayed by Mussolini and forced to flee to America. In San Francisco, far away from the troubles in Italy, Vincenzo struggles to forget his past and forge a new life as a builder. But the past never stays buried, as Vincenzo&’s violent nature reasserts itself as new challenges arise. As World War II begins, Vincenzo&’s nephew, Alex, volunteers for the army. Vincenzo tells Alex, &“It&’s your mission to kill Mussolini and avenge your family.&” Alex attempts to fulfill his uncle&’s plan and nearly succeeds. But at the end of the war Alex is swept into Italian politics as the country struggles to recover from devastation. Alex may hold the future of Italy in his hands. However, the truth he finds could destroy the new life his uncle Vincenzo has made for himself in America. The King of Italy is a stunning historical novel, filled with passion, violence, and political intrigue, that you won&’t be able to put down until the last page.
The King of the Swords (Gateway Essentials #407)
by Michael MoorcockPrince Corum Jhaelin Irsei: the Eternal Champion.With his plane at war with itself, thanks to the machinations and magic of Chaos, Prince Corum, his beloved Rhalina and the eternal companion Jhary-a-Conel must travel to the last five planes to confront Mabelode, the King of the Swords.Joining forces with other aspects of the Eternal Champion - Elric and Ereköse - Corum must rescue Rhalina from the Chaos Lord's minions before attempting to defeat the King of the Swords and free his plane from its madness. But the stakes are also personal for Corum, for the captain who commands the forces of chaos is the same savage Mabden who slaughtered Corum's family...
The King's Chameleon (Kit Faulkner Naval Adventures)
by Richard WoodmanThe shattering finale to the Kit Faulkner naval adventures.England, 1659. Captain Kit Faulkner’s house is prospering; his eldest son has recently returned from a profitable trip to Jamaica in the good ship Faithful, and his daughter is to be married.But the resignation of the Lord Protector, Richard Cromwell, throws England into uncertainty. Will the republic flourish, or will a King return to the throne?Kit is content to let matters take their natural course, but his younger son, Henry, is an idealist with political ambitions. It soon becomes clear that Henry is in much deeper than Kit first realised, and his son’s actions may threaten everything Kit holds dear…An absolutely gripping maritime thriller, perfect for fans of Hornblower, C. S. Forrester and Patrick O’Brian.Praise for Richard Woodman‘A sure bet for Patick O’Brian fans’ Library Journal‘Woodman spins an exciting tale’ Publishers Weekly
The King's Coat: The Naval Adventures of Alan Lewrie (Alan Lewrie Naval Adventures #1)
by Dewey LambdinThe very first Alan Lewrie naval adventure. 1780: Seventeen-year-old Alan Lewrie is a brash, rebellious young libertine. So much so that his callous father believes a bit of navy discipline will turn the boy around. Fresh aboard the tall-maste^ Ariadne, Midshipman Lewrie heads for the war- torn Americas, finding—rather unexpectedly— that he is a born sailor, equally at home with the randy pleasures of the port and the raging battles on the high seas. But in a hail of cannonballs comes a bawdy surprise.... "Fast-moving at sea, nicely lewd ashore, a hugely likable hero, a huge cast of sharply drawn supporting characters; there's nothing missing.
The King's Exile: (Thomas Hill 2) (Thomas Hill Novels #2)
by Andrew SwanstonSpring, 1648.When Thomas Hill, a bookseller living in rural Hampshire, publishes a political pamphlet he has little idea of the trouble that will follow. He is quickly arrested, forced on a boat to Barbados and condemned to life as a slave to two of the island’s most notoriously violent brothers.In England war has erupted again, with London under threat of attack. When news of the king’s execution reaches the island, political stability is threatened and a fleet commanded by Sir George Ayscue arrives to take control of the island for Cromwell. The threat of violence increases. Thomas finds himself witness to abuse, poison, rape and savage brutality. When a coded message from Ayscue to a sympathiser on the island is intercepted, Thomas is asked to decipher it. A disastrous battle seems inevitable.But nothing turns out as planned. And as the death toll mounts, the escape Thomas has been relying on seems ever more unlikely…
The King's General (Virago Modern Classics #127)
by Daphne Du MaurierFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA'A writer of fearless originality' GUARDIAN 'Fascinating historical romance, set in the period of England's Civil Wars' KIRKUS REVIEWS 'One of the last century's most original literary talents' DAILY TELEGRAPH On her eighteenth birthday, Honor Harris meets Sir Richard Grenvile: he is proud, reckless - and utterly captivating. They have a rare connection, and with her beauty and sharp wit, she intrigues him too. But days before their wedding, tragedy strikes and Honor must reconcile herself to a life alone. Fifteen years later, war forces Honor to shelter with her sister at the Cornish estate of Menabilly. There, she meets Richard, who has risen through the ranks to become a general in the king's army. With all of England in turmoil, Honor must draw on her courage to save Richard's life and defend her country.
The King's General (Virago Modern Classics #127)
by Daphne Du MaurierFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA'A writer of fearless originality' GUARDIAN 'Fascinating historical romance, set in the period of England's Civil Wars' KIRKUS REVIEWS 'One of the last century's most original literary talents' DAILY TELEGRAPH On her eighteenth birthday, Honor Harris meets Sir Richard Grenvile: he is proud, reckless - and utterly captivating. They have a rare connection, and with her beauty and sharp wit, she intrigues him too. But days before their wedding, tragedy strikes and Honor must reconcile herself to a life alone. Fifteen years later, war forces Honor to shelter with her sister at the Cornish estate of Menabilly. There, she meets Richard, who has risen through the ranks to become a general in the king's army. With all of England in turmoil, Honor must draw on her courage to save Richard's life and defend her country.
The King's General (Vmc Ser. #547)
by Daphne Du MaurierFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCASet in the seventeenth century, The King's General tells the story of a country and a family riven by civil war, and features one of fiction's most original heroines. Honor Harris is only eighteen when she first meets Richard Grenvile, proud, reckless - and utterly captivating. But following a riding accident, Honor must reconcile herself to a life alone.As Richard rises through the ranks of the army, marries and makes enemies, Honor remains true to him, and finally discovers the secret of Menabilly...
The King's German Legion
by Otto Pivka Michael RoffeThe King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force.
The King's Justice: A Maggie Hope Mystery (Maggie Hope #9)
by Susan Elia MacNealCan a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a new serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues. Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill&’s secretary, but now she&’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders. London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime. But when she&’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can&’t resist. Meanwhile, there&’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past.
The King's Men: The Sandringham Company & Norfolk Regiment Territorial Battalions, 1914–1918
by Neil R. Storey&“An absorbing account of the Norfolk Territorials who fought at Gallipoli and created a legend&” from the author of Beating the Nazi Invader (Firetrench). The 4th and 5th Battalions, the Norfolk Regiment were formed in the early days of The Great War as part of the Territorial Force and deployed with 54th (East Anglian) Division to Gallipoli in 1915. Most significantly the 1/5th Battalion was unique in that it contained The Sandringham Company, the only unit to be raised entirely from a Royal Estate. Tragically the Company, along with King George V&’s Agent Captain Beck, disappeared without trace on 12 August 1915, presumed to have been overcome by their Turkish adversaries. The Battalion was rebuilt and saw out the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign being evacuated to Egypt in December 1915. Thereafter the Norfolks served with distinction in Palestine as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. The author has compiled a fascinating history of these Battalions&’ distinguished service using contemporary records and personal accounts illustrated with a splendid selection of photographs. The result is a fitting tribute to the memory of these brave volunteers.&“Brilliant local (Norfolk) social historian Neil Storey tells the story of the Norfolk Regiment and its campaigns during and after the Great War. Beautifully illustrated and full of amazing and fascinating facts, this is social and military history at its very best.&” —Books Monthly&“Neil Storey manages to compose a very interesting and passionate book, which once again demonstrates the effort and war contribution of small British communities during the Great War tragedy.&” —On the Old Barbed Wire
The King's Own Scottish Borderers: A Concise History
by Trevor RoyleThe King's Own Scottish Borderers is one of only two Scottish regiments never to have been amalgamated until it joined forces with The Royal Scots to form the 1st battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. It is also unusual in that it lost its Scottish status between 1782 and 1887 when it served as the 25th (Sussex) Regiment of Foot.Formed in Edinburgh in 1689, its first operational role was to defend the city during the period of turmoil following the accession of William and Mary of Orange. That same year the regiment fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie, where they withstood a ferocious charge by the Highlanders supporting James II. Since then, the regiment has fought in most of the major campaigns fought by the British Army.In 1887, the regiment became The King's Own Scottish Borderers. It served with distinction during the two World Wars and achieved nationwide fame in 1915 when Sergeant Piper Daniel Laidlaw won the Victoria Cross during the Battle of Loos. Despite coming under heavy fire he played his pipes in full view of the enemy, encouraging the Borderers with the sound of 'Blue Bonnets o'er the Border' and 'The Standard on the Braes o' Mar'.This concise account of the King's Own Scottish Borderers puts its story into the context of British military history and makes use of personal testimony to reveal the life of the regiment.
The King's Private Army: Protecting the British Royal Family During the Second World War
by Andrew Stewart“Well-researched . . . tells the story of the military bodyguard known as the ‘Coats Mission’ led initially by Major Jimmy Coats, Coldstream Guards.” —The Guards MagazineFollowing the surrender of France in June 1940 Britain prepared to defend itself against a potential German invasion. In great secrecy a decision was taken to establish an elite bodyguard to protect the British Royal Family. Led initially by Major Jimmy Coats, a Coldstream Guards officer and celebrated winter sportsman, it was given the innocuous title of “The Coats Mission,” but its proposed role was perhaps the most important assigned to any unit in the British armed forces. It was intended that this group would evacuate King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and the two princesses, Margaret and her sister Elizabeth, to a place of safety away from London.For the next two years it trained and prepared for the role in the face of what was believed to be a very real threat, and this study, drawing on previously unseen documents, interviews and archival material, provides its history and explains how the Royal Family’s protection was viewed. Beginning with the prewar shelter preparations for the Royal Households and running through the increased anxiety of the 1940 invasion threat and Blitz, the renewed danger in 1941 and then the progressive reduction in the special measures in the years that followed, The King’s Private Army offers the first dedicated account of a largely unknown but potentially critical element of the defense of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.“Superb.” —Books Monthly
The King's Return: (Thomas Hill 3) (Thomas Hill Novels #3)
by Andrew SwanstonThe king’s coronation brings hope. Until a murderer strikes.Spring 1661: After years of civil war followed by Oliver Cromwell's joyless rule as Lord Protector, England awaits the coronation of King Charles II. The mood in London is one of relief and hope for a better future. But when two respectable gentlemen are found in a foul lane with their throats cut, it becomes apparent that England’s enemies are using the newly re-established post office for their own ends. There are traitors at work and plans to overthrow the king. Another war is possible. Thomas Hill, in London visiting friends, is approached by the king’s security advisor and asked to take charge of deciphering coded letters intercepted by the post office. As the body count rises and the killer starts preying on women, the action draws closer to Thomas – and his loved ones. He finds himself dragged into the hunt for the traitors and the murderer, but will he find them before it’s too late?
The King's Rifle: A Novel
by Biyi BandeleIt's winter 1944 and the Second World War is entering its most crucial state. A few months ago fourteen-year-old Ali Banana was a blacksmith's apprentice in his rural hometown in West Africa; now he's trekking through the Burmese jungle. Led by the unforgettably charismatic Sergeant Damisa, the unit has been given orders to go behind enemy lines and wreak havoc. But Japanese snipers lurk behind every tree—and even if the unit manages to escape, infection and disease lie in wait. Homesick and weary, the men of D-Section Thunder Brigade refuse to give up. Taut and immediate, The King's Rifle is the first novel to depict the experiences of black African soldiers in the Second World War. This is a story of real life battles, of the men who made the legend of the Chindits, the unconventional, quick-strike division of the British Army in India. Brilliantly executed, this vividly realized account details the madness, sacrifice, and dark humor of that war's most vicious battleground. It is also the moving story of a boy trying to live long enough to become a man.
The Kingdom of Liars: A Novel (The Legacy of the Mercenary King #1)
by Nick MartellIn this &“excellent fantasy debut, with engaging world-building and a good mix between action and character&” (Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Stormlight Archive series), a story of secrets, rebellion, and murder are shattering the Hollows, where magic costs memory to use, and only the son of the kingdom&’s despised traitor holds the truth. Michael is branded a traitor as a child because of the murder of the king&’s nine-year-old son, by his father David Kingman. Ten years later on Michael lives a hardscrabble life, with his sister Gwen, performing crimes with his friends against minor royals in a weak attempt at striking back at the world that rejects him and his family. In a world where memory is the coin that pays for magic, Michael knows something is there in the hot white emptiness of his mind. So when the opportunity arrives to get folded back into court, via the most politically dangerous member of the kingdom&’s royal council, Michael takes it, desperate to find a way back to his past. He discovers a royal family that is spiraling into a self-serving dictatorship as gun-wielding rebels clash magically trained militia. What the truth holds is a set of shocking revelations that will completely change the Hollows, if Michael and his friends and family can survive long enough to see it. In a &“symphony of loyalty, greed, family, and betrayal&” (Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter) this spellbinding novel &“creates a solid foundation for (hopefully) a much longer narrative to come&” (Kirkus Reviews).
The Kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons: The Wars of King Alfred 865–899
by Paul HillIn this compelling military and political history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom, Paul Hill explores England’s birth amidst the devastation and fury of the Danish invasions of the ninth century. He provides insight into the English response to the new challenges of warfare in these years of turbulence and danger. Alfred the Great, youngest son of King Æthelwulf, took control of the last surviving Anglo-Saxon kingdom, bringing Wessex and the ‘English’ parts of Mercia together into a new ‘Kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons’. This is a story of betrayal and of vengeance, of turncoat oath-breakers and loyal commanders, of battles fought and won against the odds. But above all, this is the story of how England came into being. Warfare in Alfred’s England changed from attritional set-piece battles to a grander strategic concern. This is explored, demonstrating how defense-in-depth fortification networks were built across the resurgent kingdom in the wake of Alfred’s victory at Edington in 878. The arrival of new Danish armies into England in the 890s would lead to campaigns quite unlike those of the Great Heathen Army of the previous generation. This is a human, as well as a military story: how a king demonstrated his right to rule was important. Alfred sought to secure the succession on his son Edward, who led his own forces as a young man in the 890s. But not everybody was happy in Alfred’s England. Despite the ever-present threat from the Danes, the greatest challenge facing Alfred arose from his own kin, centred deep in the heart of ancient Wessex. Alfred knew very well that his was not the only branch of the family who claimed a right to rule.