Table of contents : List of Maps Dedication Map Frontispiece Author’s note Introduction PART I: The tiger in the smoke, 789–878 Timeline 1: 789–878 Forespæc Chapter 1: Landscape with figures Chapter 2: Central places Chapter 3: The incoming tide Chapter 4: The End of Days PART II: Newton’s cradle, 879–918 Timeline 2: 879–918 Forespæc Chapter 5: The balance of power Chapter 6: Arrivals and departures Chapter 7: Fragmentary annals Chapter 8: Politics by other means PART III: Going native, 919–955 Timeline 3: 919–955 Forespæc Chapter 9: Innate affinities with ambiguity Chapter 10: Lawyers, guns and money Chapter 11: A house of cards Chapter 12: The illusory prize Endpapers 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