Of Kings and Conquerors — J. Colman McMillan

THE INTERIM KING - Of Kings and Conquerors is the story of history's closest parallel to John Kennedy, Harold II, the last Saxon King of England. Being as killed politician as well as a military hero, Harold was elected to the throne upon the death of King Edward 'the Confessor.' In doing so, he had to force his brother, Tostig, into exile. He also pledged marriage to three different women and broke a solemn vow made to Duke William of Normandy. After his coronation, Harold consolidated his position by marrying the sister of rival earls, Edwin and Morcar Aelfgarson, yet in doing so, he dashed any chance of making peace with either Tostig or William. Just as the situation in the 1960's was predicated upon the conclusions of World War II, the situation in England in the 1060's was greatly influenced by the conclusions of the Danish Wars of the previous generation. Similar to the confrontation faced by John Kennedy over the Cuban Missile Crisis, Harold confronted and bested the greatest military power of his day. Hisvictory was short lived though, as barely two weeks later, a second challenger landed in England to press his claim to the throne.