The History of the Kings of Britain

By Geoffrey of Monmouth
Introduction by Lewis Thorpe
Translated by Lewis Thorpe

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The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth

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Paperback $19.00

Jan 27, 1977 | 384 Pages

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  • Paperback $19.00

    Jan 27, 1977 | 384 Pages

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About The History of the Kings of Britain

Completed in 1136, this classic chronicle traces the story of the realm from its supposed foundation by Brutus to the coming of the Saxons some two thousand years later. Vividly portraying legendary and semi-legendary figures such as Lear, Cymbeline, Merlin the magician, and the most famous of all British heroes, King Arthur, it is as much myth as it is history, and its veracity was questioned by other medieval writers. But Geoffrey of Monmouth’s powerful evocation of illustrious men and deeds captured the imagination of subsequent generations, and his influence can be traced through the works of Malory, Shakespeare, Dryden, and Tennyson.
 
Lewis Thorpe’s translation from the Latin brings us an accurate and enthralling version of Geoffrey’s remarkable narrative. His introduction discusses in depth the aims of the author and his possible sources, and describes the impact of this work on British literature.

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Table Of Contents

Translated with an Introduction by Lewis Thorpe

Introduction
1. Geoffrey’s Purpose
2. Who was Geoffrey of Monmouth?
3. Geoffrey’s Sources
4. The Work Itself
5. Geoffrey the Artist
6. Geoffrey of Monmouth down the Centuries
7. Editions of the Historia
8. Earlier Translations
9. This Translation
10. Acknowledgments

Notes to the Introduction
Short Bibliography of Works Used in the Introduction and in the Notes
Map of Britain
Dedication

Part One: Brutus Occupies the Island of Albion

Part Two: Before the Romans Came

Part Three: The Coming of the Romans

Part Four: The House of Constantine

Part Five: The Prophecies of Merlin

Part Six: The House of Constantine (Continued)

Part Seven: Arthur of Britain

Part Eight: The Saxon Domination

Time Chart
Index

About Geoffrey of Monmouth

Geoffrey of Monmouth was a Welsh cleric and British historiographer who lived during the twelfth century. He is best known for his chronicle The History of the Kings of Britain, which, though now considered historically unreliable, was widely popular in… More about Geoffrey of Monmouth

Product Details

Paperback
Published by Penguin Classics
Jan 27, 1977 | 384 Pages | ISBN 9780140441703

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