The New Forest has played a central role in the history of England starting with William using it as a hunting ôspaö. It is in the New Forest where WilliamÆs son Rufus is killed under strange circumstances. Throughout the remainder of the millennium, this area has been on center stage almost as much as London has. Even in the present, the locale serves as an example of the modern day debate between development with easy access vs. environmental protection by pushing to name it a national park. In between much happens to members of the English WhoÆs Who to include Austen, Drake, and Nelson, etc.

Edward Rutherfurd is considered one of the giants of fictionalized history that provides a story telling account centering on real events and people. His latest work THE FOREST will show his talent to educate his audience with a well-written account that spans a thousand years of English history. Though some sections will overwhelm the reader with its vast historical tidbits, sub-genre fans will enjoy this book as much as Mr. RutherfurdÆs previous works, LONDON and SARUM.