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History of the Britons (Historia Brittonum) (Dodo Press)
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| List Price: | £6.99 |
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Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #70820 in Books
- Published on: 2007-07-20
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 48 pages
Editorial Reviews
Synopsis
The Historia Brittonum, or the History of the Britons, is a historical work that was first written sometime shortly after AD 833, and exists in several recensions of varying difference. It purports to relate the history of the Brythonic inhabitants of Britain from earliest times, and this text has been used to write a history of both Wales and England, for want of more reliable sources. The Historia Brittonum has drawn attention because of its role in influencing the legends and myths surrounding King Arthur. This history is the source of several stories some of which were repeated and amplified by later authors.
Customer Reviews
A fascinating historical artifact
There is considerable controversy about this work. Drawing on earlier sources (some of which are no longer available), it appears to have been compiled around the end of the Eighth Century by a Welsh monk named Nennius. The book contains (not in this order) a history of Britain, complete with genealogies back to Adam, a list of extant British cities, and a short history of Saint Patrick. Most significantly, the book contains numerous references to Vortigern, Ambrosius and Arthur.
This short book is (compared to modern books) poorly organized, and of dubious reliability. However, as a historical artifact it is quite fascinating. If you have ever read references to Nennius' work in another book, then it would be worth your wile to get ahold of the book, and read see the references in context. I enjoyed it, and think that you will too.
Reporting from Cair Peris
Questions will always be asked about the accuracy of the dates and details of the histories told in this book. Most are now unanswerable but Nennius' work leads an imagination to our history and some amazing tales. I find it remarkable that a young person in England is not taught as part of the curriculum abot Hengist and Horsa. These two are the grand fathers of the English. I thought it was great.
