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Product Description
An evocative recreation of a vanished world, this is the first genuine narrative history for 5th Century Britain. Whereas past efforts have used unreliable legendary material to prove that some obscure sixth century ruler was the real Arthur, the present work is based on the latest scholarly research into Roman time-keeping. A dispassionate analysis of the earliest sources for fifth century Britain shows that all of their chronologies were originally quite consistent, but were modified by later writers to resolve apparent discrepancies in their data. The elimination of these later misconceptions provides a very accurate chronology for this most crucial and - until now - obscure century.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have already read several books on the topic. Some boring, some confusing, and some even ridiculous how the author constructs his case.
But this book is different. The theory Edwin Pace submits is incredibly daring but still so ... convincing. At least for the interested amateur. Having not studied the primary sources for years I could not decide whether his conclusions might be right or wrong, whether he is telling just nonsense or not. But at least reading the book it gives you really the feeling, yes, it could have been like that and it feels that he really had done his homework. Every detail seems to fall into place when Mr Pace explains Bede, Gildas and Nennius. I found myself frequently nodding, thinking, yes, yes, of course, why did nobody else ever think of that? (Why did nobody? Is the book's conclusion so far fetched? Is it really?)
Comparing this book to many others about this topic this one is a real page turner. It is not a mere compilation of facts where in the end the author tells you that no valid conclusion can be drawn, no, as it says in the title it is a "Narrative History". Really smooth and enjoyable reading.
What I liked also very much about this book is the fact that Edwin Pace does not look on Britain as an isolated world, only absorbed in internal problems. He shows the events in the context with the development in Europe.
A reviewer asked whether the reader can really believe that a Briton made a campaign with 12000 men on the continent. Well, the author has developed his case so convincing that in the end it did not sound so absurd. We may never know, never know who Arthur really was and what he really accomplished. Or did not accomplish.
But this theory has one big virtue: the author really made me want to believe it. But in the end I am not a scholar, I am just an interested person who enjoyed immensely reading this book.
But this book is different. The theory Edwin Pace submits is incredibly daring but still so ... convincing. At least for the interested amateur. Having not studied the primary sources for years I could not decide whether his conclusions might be right or wrong, whether he is telling just nonsense or not. But at least reading the book it gives you really the feeling, yes, it could have been like that and it feels that he really had done his homework. Every detail seems to fall into place when Mr Pace explains Bede, Gildas and Nennius. I found myself frequently nodding, thinking, yes, yes, of course, why did nobody else ever think of that? (Why did nobody? Is the book's conclusion so far fetched? Is it really?)
Comparing this book to many others about this topic this one is a real page turner. It is not a mere compilation of facts where in the end the author tells you that no valid conclusion can be drawn, no, as it says in the title it is a "Narrative History". Really smooth and enjoyable reading.
What I liked also very much about this book is the fact that Edwin Pace does not look on Britain as an isolated world, only absorbed in internal problems. He shows the events in the context with the development in Europe.
A reviewer asked whether the reader can really believe that a Briton made a campaign with 12000 men on the continent. Well, the author has developed his case so convincing that in the end it did not sound so absurd. We may never know, never know who Arthur really was and what he really accomplished. Or did not accomplish.
But this theory has one big virtue: the author really made me want to believe it. But in the end I am not a scholar, I am just an interested person who enjoyed immensely reading this book.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I must confess, I've never heard of Edwin Pace, nor do I know about his academic qualifications. However, it must be said that this book is beautifully crafted and well thought out. It' pays lots of attention to detail and contains useful appendices for those who want to check or quibble. The whole book is written and produced in a very professional way. Do not let any suggestions of amateurism put you off!
The author in writing his book has focussed on the primary documents relating to the 'Dark Ages'. Rather than labelling them as 'inadmissible' etc he clearly points that they are the best evidence we have for writing 'history' and we must try to use them. I think his attempt is very bold, provocative and successful. He elucidates his method, based on scientific principles for analysing the evidence and it's difficult to argue with it. Consequently, what we are presented with is a very plausible and revealing history of 5th century Britain. With regards to his theory that Arthur is merely another epithet, along with Vortigern, Riothemus etc to describe one 5th century ruler, it must be said that the argument is presented very well. Moreover, what is especially pleasing about this theory is that solves more problems than it creates, which can often be said of other theories. Personally, I think the author's argument really deserves serious consideration and I look forward to seeing how other 'academics' react.
Regardless of debate on the theory, what you are still left with is a narrative that is an absolute pleasure to read - I seriously can't remember the last history book I read, which was such a 'page-turner.' I really can't recommend this book highly enough. Buy and enjoy!
The author in writing his book has focussed on the primary documents relating to the 'Dark Ages'. Rather than labelling them as 'inadmissible' etc he clearly points that they are the best evidence we have for writing 'history' and we must try to use them. I think his attempt is very bold, provocative and successful. He elucidates his method, based on scientific principles for analysing the evidence and it's difficult to argue with it. Consequently, what we are presented with is a very plausible and revealing history of 5th century Britain. With regards to his theory that Arthur is merely another epithet, along with Vortigern, Riothemus etc to describe one 5th century ruler, it must be said that the argument is presented very well. Moreover, what is especially pleasing about this theory is that solves more problems than it creates, which can often be said of other theories. Personally, I think the author's argument really deserves serious consideration and I look forward to seeing how other 'academics' react.
Regardless of debate on the theory, what you are still left with is a narrative that is an absolute pleasure to read - I seriously can't remember the last history book I read, which was such a 'page-turner.' I really can't recommend this book highly enough. Buy and enjoy!
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am guilty!
I am one of those sad people who scours the maps and placenames of Britain searching for an "Arthurian" link.
Until this book, I hadnt really considered Arthur as being Vortigern. I am also one of these people who has to rely on translations by others as my latin is confined to about 20 words...........
This is a very interesting book and clearly the author has done his homework and research to a very deep level. I wouldnt say I agree with all the suggestions that he makes but the "evidence" that is used is well balanced and considerate of the whole picture. Other authors are more guilty of coming up with a hypothesis and the fitting the facts to it. Here, I believe (as the author himself states), that the facts are used to form an hypothesis.
I found the book very easy to read and it flows very nicely indeed. The only criticism I would have is that the author sometimes skimps a little on the evidence for some aspects and then assumes that these facs are indesputible according to the hypothesis. I am sure that the author has had to trim some information from the narrative otherwise the book would be too big or in two volumes and stray too much into academia.
I will certainly be keeping this on my main bookcase for the forseeable and will be returning to it time after time for reference
I am one of those sad people who scours the maps and placenames of Britain searching for an "Arthurian" link.
Until this book, I hadnt really considered Arthur as being Vortigern. I am also one of these people who has to rely on translations by others as my latin is confined to about 20 words...........
This is a very interesting book and clearly the author has done his homework and research to a very deep level. I wouldnt say I agree with all the suggestions that he makes but the "evidence" that is used is well balanced and considerate of the whole picture. Other authors are more guilty of coming up with a hypothesis and the fitting the facts to it. Here, I believe (as the author himself states), that the facts are used to form an hypothesis.
I found the book very easy to read and it flows very nicely indeed. The only criticism I would have is that the author sometimes skimps a little on the evidence for some aspects and then assumes that these facs are indesputible according to the hypothesis. I am sure that the author has had to trim some information from the narrative otherwise the book would be too big or in two volumes and stray too much into academia.
I will certainly be keeping this on my main bookcase for the forseeable and will be returning to it time after time for reference
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fascinating, intriguing and controversial
This is a fascinating, intriguing and controversial book on Arthur. Oh, not Him again! was my first reaction when I came across the book. Read more
Published 5 months ago by JPS
Review
A very good read !
The same old and sometimes hackneyed canons of evidence used in a controversial manner . Read more
The same old and sometimes hackneyed canons of evidence used in a controversial manner . Read more
Published 6 months ago by W. E. Young-powell
Lifting the dark age curtain
Many years ago as a youngster at school I was fascinated by the term "Dark Ages" and the idea that the "Romans left Britain in 410". Read more
Published 8 months ago by A. J. Kehoe
Genius or deluded?
When someone claims to have discovered something which has eluded the attentions of thousands of scholars over a period of centuries, one might possibly react by thinking that this... Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2009 by E. L. Wisty
Arthur and the Fall of Roman Britain
This is one of the best books I have read about this period of history.
It is extremely well researched and for the ardent student there are plenty of links to follow up on if... Read more
It is extremely well researched and for the ardent student there are plenty of links to follow up on if... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2009 by Mrs. S. A. Engh
A useful guide to a very obscure time
Overall, I am glad that I bought this book, because it is one that I shall return to again and again for reference. Read more
Published on 12 Jan 2009 by elsa wiehe
The Essential Arthur
This book gives the first convincing explanation for Arthur that I have ever read, in particular because it doesn't really set out to "prove" whether Arthur existed or not. Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2008 by H. S. A. Peel
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