Costain's biography follows William's life from boyhood to old age, using examples from his life to highlight those qualities most desirable in a medieval ruler. From the first, William possesses unusual potential. He maintains. icy poise as he accepts the allegiance of his father's followers, and he shows considerable presence of mind in evading attempts on his life before he is thirteen.

As an orphan, but ward to the King of France, he undergoes training for knighthood, a status he attains at the unusually early age of fifteen because he is stronger and more skillful than his fellows in horsemanship and the use of weapons. Costain depicts William as a "fighter by nature"; no one else has the strength to draw his bow, and he can leap into a saddle in full armor, while most knights need assistance. William's most important leadership qualities are...