Fred Whishaw — Harold the Norseman

London, T. Nelson and Sons, 1897. First edition. Cloth. A charming historical fiction that dramatizes the legendary life of Harald Hardraada, including his exploits in Scandinavia, Constantinople and Stamford Bridge. Harold The Norseman, A very scarce and charming fictional narrative based off life of the legendary Viking Harald Hardraada, written by British novelist Fred Whishaw. Published by T. Nelson and Son in 1897.In the publisher's original blue decorative cloth, with five illustrated plates. A missing frontispiece. Collated, lacking the frontispiece.Best known for his defeat at Stamford Bridge against Harold Godwinson in 1066, few know that Harald Hardraada was one of the most prestigious Vikings in history and this narrative dramatizes his remarkable story.Beginning with his origins and first exploits in Scandinavia, the book later takes us through his experience as a prolific Varangian mercenary fighting for Constantinople, before finishing with his invasion of England.Known for his children's books, Whishaw's book is perfect for a young audience wishing to learn more about the legendary Viking. In the publisher's original decorative blue cloth. Externally, very smart, with minimal marks to boards. Slight fading to the spine, with a small mark. Bumping to the head and tail of the spine, and to the extremities. Small signs of edgewear. Slight offsetting to end papers. School prize bookplate to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Frontispiece not present, and plates mislabelled. Pages are bright and clean, with the very small mark to the extremities of the rare leaf. Very Good . Ill.: W.H.M. Very Good .