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DVD Description
The Normans
Professor Robert Bartlett embarks on an ambitious journey deep into the hearts and minds of a band of warriors who transformed medieval Europe. Bursting with colourful characters and illuminating detail, Professor Bartlett’s story follows the fortunes of the Normans all the way from Scandinavia to Normandy and England in 1066. He then follows them south to Jerusalem via southern Italy, Sicily and modern day Turkey. He draws on Anglo-Saxon chronicles, medieval manuscripts and some of the most powerful examples of Norman architecture in an epic sweep of the period of Norman supremacy. And he reveals how the Norman legacy lives on in our culture and politics to this day.
Domesday
In a fascinating exploration of Domesday Book, medieval historian Dr Stephen Baxter reveals the human and political drama that lies within the parchment of England’s earliest surviving public record. He also finds out the real reason it was commissioned by William the Conqueror. Most historians believe Domesday is some kind of tax book for raising revenue. But Baxter reveals why Domesday Book couldn’t have been used to collect taxes. He argues that its real purpose was to give revolutionary new powers to England’s first Norman King.
Professor Robert Bartlett embarks on an ambitious journey deep into the hearts and minds of a band of warriors who transformed medieval Europe. Bursting with colourful characters and illuminating detail, Professor Bartlett’s story follows the fortunes of the Normans all the way from Scandinavia to Normandy and England in 1066. He then follows them south to Jerusalem via southern Italy, Sicily and modern day Turkey. He draws on Anglo-Saxon chronicles, medieval manuscripts and some of the most powerful examples of Norman architecture in an epic sweep of the period of Norman supremacy. And he reveals how the Norman legacy lives on in our culture and politics to this day.
Domesday
In a fascinating exploration of Domesday Book, medieval historian Dr Stephen Baxter reveals the human and political drama that lies within the parchment of England’s earliest surviving public record. He also finds out the real reason it was commissioned by William the Conqueror. Most historians believe Domesday is some kind of tax book for raising revenue. But Baxter reveals why Domesday Book couldn’t have been used to collect taxes. He argues that its real purpose was to give revolutionary new powers to England’s first Norman King.
Product Description
A tale of dukes and warriors, conquerors and kings.
Professor Robert Bartlett embarks on an ambitious journey deep into the hearts and minds of a band of warriors who transformed medieval Europe. Bursting with colourful characters and illuminating detail, Professor Bartlett's story follows the fortunes of the Normans all the way from Scandinavia to Normandy and England in 1066. He then follows them south to Jerusalem via southern Italy, Sicily and modern day Turkey. He draws on Anglo-Saxon chronicles, medieval manuscripts and some of the most powerful examples of Norman architecture in an epic sweep of the period of Norman supremacy. And he reveals how the Norman legacy lives on in our culture and politics to this day.
In a fascinating exploration of Domesday Book, medieval historian Dr Stephen Baxter reveals the human and political drama that lies within the parchment of England's earliest surviving public record. He also finds out the real reason it was commissioned by William the Conqueror. Most historians believe Domesday is some kind of tax book for raising revenue. But Baxter reveals why Domesday Book couldn't have been used to collect taxes. He argues that its real purpose was to give revolutionary new powers to England's first Norman King.
Presenters: Professor Robert Bartlett, Dr Stephen Baxter
Executive Producer: Chris Granlund
Series Producer: Robin Dashwood
Professor Robert Bartlett embarks on an ambitious journey deep into the hearts and minds of a band of warriors who transformed medieval Europe.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 80 people found the following review helpful
This is an absolutely first class series which I greatly enjoyed and recommend unreservedly. One thing it could have made clearer while speaking of the supposedly 'mixed' racial origins of the English population however, is that the Normans, Saxons, Jutes and Danes were all closely related Germanic tribes, who were all originally from the same region of Scandinavia/Northern Germany. The only significant differences between them were actually linguistic/cultural not racial; IE:- Saxon 'fashion' encouraged long hair and moustouches, the Normans had a type of 'skinhead' crop, while the Vikings wore their hair braided. An excellent DVD which illustrates these close genetic ties is:- Face of Britain [DVD] which is centred around a landmark reseach project carried out by Oxford University geneticist Sir Walter Bodmer. He and his team have created the most detailed DNA map of Britain ever, and show us, I quote:- "exactly who our ancestors were, where they came from and what they looked like.". This highly informative 155min 3 part series is the perfect companion to The Normans and I unconditionally recommend both as highly informative educational entertainment.
The Normans [DVD]
Face of Britain [DVD]
The Normans [DVD]
Face of Britain [DVD]
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
"The Normans" is a truly excellent starting point. For the layperson, who probably only recognises the date and William's name, it's a chance to be introduced to the full story and some of the factors that affected events and motivations that drove the leading players. For me, it provided a loose overview of the background involved, explaining why the Normans were distinct from the rest of France, and it refreshed my memory of the events of the Norman conquest.
The visuals are shot just right. Bartlett presents key scenes to us, and stands present at the key locations and surviving artefacts, placing such items and locations in context today, but at the same time we are equally treated to languorously lingering close ups of the artefacts, sweeping shots of the buildings, and a few abstract shots of extras in period clothing but thankfully no low budget third rate acting. Bartlett is an excellent choice of presenter. He clearly knows what he's talking about, and can add interesting detail to proceedings whilst at the same time engaging the viewer. I found the supporting music cast just right; the tone of it suited the subject matter, and furthermore it did not overwhelm the dialogue - there are increasing complaints of programmes whose music drowns out the dialogue of the presenter or otherwise overwhelms and spoils certain elements of the programme. The programme was both informative and entertaining, and the one addition I would have liked to have seen would have been a genealogical graphic explaining Rollo's connection to William the Conqueror.
Some history documentaries have a tendency to feel slow, dry, or drag in places even though they are informative. This series does not, and engages throughout. It should also be commended for presenting a new side to the Normans that has not often been in the public consciousness - the fact that the Normans also had an effect on states and cultures outside of England, even dramatically so across Europe.
The visuals are shot just right. Bartlett presents key scenes to us, and stands present at the key locations and surviving artefacts, placing such items and locations in context today, but at the same time we are equally treated to languorously lingering close ups of the artefacts, sweeping shots of the buildings, and a few abstract shots of extras in period clothing but thankfully no low budget third rate acting. Bartlett is an excellent choice of presenter. He clearly knows what he's talking about, and can add interesting detail to proceedings whilst at the same time engaging the viewer. I found the supporting music cast just right; the tone of it suited the subject matter, and furthermore it did not overwhelm the dialogue - there are increasing complaints of programmes whose music drowns out the dialogue of the presenter or otherwise overwhelms and spoils certain elements of the programme. The programme was both informative and entertaining, and the one addition I would have liked to have seen would have been a genealogical graphic explaining Rollo's connection to William the Conqueror.
Some history documentaries have a tendency to feel slow, dry, or drag in places even though they are informative. This series does not, and engages throughout. It should also be commended for presenting a new side to the Normans that has not often been in the public consciousness - the fact that the Normans also had an effect on states and cultures outside of England, even dramatically so across Europe.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
The Normans was a brilliant bit of television when it was aired. History came to life for me watch the series and watching it again on DVD has been a treat. The documentary focuses on the story of the Normans throughout their history. This is more than the nth retelling of the norman conquest of britain - there is a significant history behind the Normans and it is actually really very exciting. I am realy engaged by a documentary when it's more than just a series of dry facts - as history can often be presented. Here history is a grand tale, throughly engaging and fascinating. Professor Bartlett does a great job of enthusing about his subject and we get to visit some great places. I can't really enthuase about this programme enough.
I was less engaged by Doomsday but it is still a superb programme. Dr Baxter is actually very personable and i like that he challenges current theories openly. It's an interesting programme but the Doomsday book in isolation just doesn't have the grand scope of The Normans. What this programme does do well is illustrate the real impact of the norman invasion. I found it surprising and refreshing in a lot of ways and these two programmes together definitely work extremely well.
If you have never been grabbed by Norman History, this programme could well change your outlook. I say give it a go. They are high quality documentaries, packed with information and a worth addition to anyone's shelf.
I was less engaged by Doomsday but it is still a superb programme. Dr Baxter is actually very personable and i like that he challenges current theories openly. It's an interesting programme but the Doomsday book in isolation just doesn't have the grand scope of The Normans. What this programme does do well is illustrate the real impact of the norman invasion. I found it surprising and refreshing in a lot of ways and these two programmes together definitely work extremely well.
If you have never been grabbed by Norman History, this programme could well change your outlook. I say give it a go. They are high quality documentaries, packed with information and a worth addition to anyone's shelf.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very informative
Just brilliant. Very well presented with clarity and depth throughout.
Visits so many placed as part of the epic journey of the Norman conquests, from Hastings to... Read more
Visits so many placed as part of the epic journey of the Norman conquests, from Hastings to... Read more
Published 25 days ago by AgentMulderUK
BRILLIANT !!
What makes a good series ? An historical one at that ..Well when first seen on TV , i was captured by the Music , intrigued by the presentation , and more so and im not sure if... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Mr. S. C. Kelsey
Well-Written, Well-Presented, Beautifully Shot
This excellent series is not just a history of the Norman conquest of England; it's scope is much wider. It is presented by Professor Robert Bartlett. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nicholas Casley
Brilliant story about Normans
I really enjoyed this DVD and strongly recommend it to anyone who has interest in history. Learned quite a few new things about Normans, especially their presence in Southern... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Marinastar
Good stuff!
I'm watching this series for the second time and am really enjoying it as well as increasing my knowledge of the subject, since I didn't take it all in the first time. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Michael Knight
An interesting view of a point in history.
You have to realise that William the Conquerer was a rather capable tyrant who persecuted the Saxons mercilessly. The domesday book? Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. Taplin
1066 and All That, Plus a Bit More
The Battle of Hastings, Norman Castles, the Domesday Book, etc. The story is so familiar it takes a good presenter to breath new life into this period of history. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Gary O'Riley
Very Good
Professor Robert Bartlett introduces the viewer to the brutal world of the Normans. Too often history documentaries dealing with the Normans focus mainly on the domesday book and... Read more
Published 9 months ago by G. Rollo
Les normands
Not ignoring as a French the french part of the "Normands" history (Normandy...etc), I found it extremely interesting to discover the rest of their incredible and fascinating story... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Duran
Very Disappointing
I read a few reviews on this DVD before I purchased it and thought it might be a little slow but being an avid historian I thought it was worth a look! This DVD is very, very, dry. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Pete
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