Britain and the Continent 1000-1300 The Impact of the Norman Conquest [Hardcover]

Matthew here describes the tangled web of interactions between the British kingdoms and Continental Europe during the period 1000-1300, and cogently assesses what advantage was taken of these opportunities on the broadest possible front.
A magnificent new survey. Donald Matthew's argument is built up in pointillist fashion. The detail is overwhelming. Most, if not all, is accurately reported, and much of it is drawn from unfamiliar primary sources. The end result is hugely impressive. --Nicholas Vincent,The International HistoryReview