History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
booklover
Excellent twist on an old legend
Let fly!
The real Robin Hood?

Hood (King Raven Trilogy, Book 1)
Stephen R. Lawhead
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1595540857

Book Description

Robin Hood

The Legend Begins Anew

For centuries, the legend of Robin Hood and his band of thieves has captivated the imagination. Now the familiar tale takes on new life, fresh meaning, and an unexpected setting.

Hunted like an animal by Norman invaders, Bran ap Brychan, heir to the throne Elfael, has abandoned his father's kingdom and fled to the greenwood. There, in the primeval forest of the Welsh borders, danger surrounds him-for this woodland is a living, breathing entity with mysterious powers and secrets, and Bran must find a way to make it his own if he is to survive.

Like the forest itself, Hood is deep, dark, and at times savagely brutal-yet full of enchantment and hope. Internationally-acclaimed author Stephen R. Lawhead has created a lyrical rendering of a time-honored story that will lead you down strange pathways into another time and place.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2007-10-15

Stephen Lawhead is one of the all time greats, and "Hood" does not dissapoint. Lawhead endeavours to marry legend with historical fact, and in so doing creates an almost believable work of fiction that intrigues and leaves the reader excusing, and even identifying with, the hero's failures and human fraility. Captivating from the start, this book is one you can't put down. It's brilliant from start to finish.

booklover.......2007-08-24

My first reading of a "Robin Hood" novel.Once I finished reading it ,I knew that this would be the standard by which I would compare other novels in the genre.Stephen Lawhead is a great writer.Reading this book was like watching a movie in that it had me picturing all sorts of images in my head whilst reading.My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough!

Excellent twist on an old legend.......2007-08-23

This book was better than I expected and I can't wait for Book 2 of the Trilogy!

I especially enjoy historical fiction and this was no disappointment. The detail and intricacy were superb, yet the pace was fast enough to keep me reading deep into the night.

Lawhead is a Christian author and this is categorized as "Christian Fiction", but it's certainly not theologically overbearing, nor is it trite like so much other Christian fiction.

Let fly!.......2007-08-02

This Robin Hood re-telling is intriguing for its re-creation of the famous historical legend, and Lawhead keeps the pace uptempo and interesting drawing one into the tale. The book moves along effortlessly and provides a nice bit of relaxation and entertainment. It is a great tale to enjoy and relax upon.

Tip: Read it from the end to the beginning...or at least start with the explanation of the setting (found at the end of the book): Wales in an earlier time frame, and Lawhead's reasoning is intriguing having to do with his investigation of historical records of the Robin Hood myth and the topography of England/Wales, as well as the Welsh people themselves. A knowledge of setting BEFORE I read the book would have helped me appreciate Lawhead's project a bit more.

Lawhead does not seem to be trying to overthink the room or over-tell the story. In a myth as renound as Robin Hood one expects that an author would try to reach "deeper" and tell the story in a new form of expression or from a different angle. But Lawhead's storytelling is simple and straightforward. His unique and specific contribution to the story is found in his re-casting the setting into Wales and an earlier time period.

Smart. And interesting.

On the other hand, I was looking for another unique contribution. This could have come from the characters themselves. However, I thought that Lawhead's character development was just a bit too brief. The story moved along, but seemed to come up just a bit short for me. I appreciated the Bran (crf. "Robin Hood") character, and Friar Tuck, but Little John remained relatively static and I'm still left wanting more from Bran and his band of misfits who are wandering about the mysterious woods conjuring up trouble for their enemies in order to win back their lands. There is certainly more room for all this in Scarlet, the next installment. So, I say, "Let fly," Lawhead! Draw it out a bit ala Tolkien!

The real Robin Hood?.......2007-07-31

Who knows? Robin Hood set in 11th century Wales works for me though. Bran ap Brychan is a care free and nere-do-well son of a Welsh kinglet who in a few short and horrendous weeks is orphaned, cheated out of his ancestral kingdom, and thrust into a battle for his life and the iives or his subjects. The Normans have been in England for a little less than a generation and having conquered England set their eyes on Wales. Through treachery, political maneuvering, and conquest they are carving up the eastern portion of the only land left to the original inhabitiants of Britain. Will Bran grow up fast enough to make a difference or will he flee to safety and comfort in the north?

As usual Stephen Lawhead delivers a gripping tale of heroism, moral crisis, and historical and mythical detail that dazzles the imagination. I loved how he wove familiar characters into the new setting bringing life to a story that has been done to death. I look forward to the sequal. 4.5 stars.

England Under the Norman and Angevin Kings, 1075-1225 (New Oxford History of England)

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Effortless transportation through time
Excellent overview
Excellent coverage of a complex and exciting period
An ambitious overview of an interesting period

England Under the Norman and Angevin Kings, 1075-1225 (New Oxford History of England)
Robert Bartlett
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0199251010

Book Description

This lively and far-reaching account of the politics, religion, and culture of England in the century and a half after the Norman Conquest provides a vivid picture of everyday existence, and increases our understanding of all aspects of medieval society. This was a period in which the ruling dynasty and military aristocracy were deeply enmeshed with the politics and culture of France. Professor Bartlett describes their conflicts, and their preoccupations - the sense of honour, the role of violence, and the glitter of tournament, heraldry, and Arthurian romance. He explores the mechanics of government; assesses the role of the Church at a time of radical developments in religious life and organization; and investigates the peasant economy, the foundation of this society, and the growing urban and commercial activity. There are colourful details of the everyday life of ordinary men and women, with their views on the past, on sexuality, on animals, on death, the undead, and the occult. The result is a fascinating and comprehensive portrayal of a period which begins with conquest and ends in assimilation.

Customer Reviews:

Effortless transportation through time.......2005-01-11

Bartlett acts as a wonderful guide through the many layers of Medieval life. As he says in the Preface this is an "entry-point of the understanding of processes only slowly unfolding, sometimes across centuries". The book has a very narrow focus in both place and time, yet goes very deep in detail covering all aspects of medieval life. It is a long book that could easily be read in chapters in no particular order, but I read it straight through cover to cover hopeing it would not end for want of Bartletts engaging prose and wealth of fascinating source material. Perhaps the best compliment of all is my desire to want to learn more.

It is an academic book and not always easy with some sections that are fairly boring (economic production figures, calculations of the number of sheep in the country), but overall the balance of interesting material outweighs these sections and makes the effort well worth the veins of gold. Most of all, it is highly trustworthy and authoritative; Bartlett is one in a long line of English historians who endeavored to be readable, arming themselves, as Roger of Wendover (13th C) says, against both "the listless hearer and the fastidious reader" by "presenting something which each may relish," and so providing for the joint "profit and entertainment of all."

Excellent overview.......2003-12-02

This book is one that I reach for constantly when I need to check something; in addition Bartlett writes in an effortless style that makes him a pleasure to read. He's a master of the primary sources; the only think missing from this book is a good bibliography of secondary, specialized material.

Excellent coverage of a complex and exciting period.......2001-08-11

Anyone familiar with the Cambridge History collection will be familiar with the format of this book. Essentially Bartlett's work is an expansion of an epoch of English history from, roughly, 1066 to 1200 and covers the reigns of William the Conqueror and the generations of Norman and Angevin kings succeeding him on the throne. Like the Cambridge History series, England Under the Norman and Angevin Kings dissects the period, examining life from nearly every aspect: military events of each reign, relations between king and nobility, king and commoner and king and heirs, social strata, cost of armaments, land holding and land use, cost of living and inflationary trends, law courts, rise of a merchant middle class, growth of cities, etc. The volume is incredibly thorough in its coverage of the period, and its bibliography is impressive. Original documents are described and cited throughout the book, providing the dedicated reader with primary sources with which to follow up his/her interests. It would be an excellent secondary source book for someone doing research on the period. It is however very deep and detailed and takes considerable time to read. Light reading it isn't, even for the history buff, but it is worth doing for anyone interested in this very active, very complex period.

An ambitious overview of an interesting period.......2000-04-14

Bartlett tries to cover practically every aspect of life during his period, from court politics to village religious life to sexual mores. He does a nice jobe of balancing the general and the specific, reinforcing his general conclusions with interesting anecdotes. Some parts are more tedious than others, depending on your tastes - since he deals with so many issues, some are bound to interest the reader more than others.

Yale English Monarchs - William Rufus (The English Monarchs Series)

Average customer rating:

remarkable detail on a rare subject
a look at a forgotten king

Yale English Monarchs - William Rufus (The English Monarchs Series)
Frank Barlow
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0300082916

Book Description

William II, better known as William Rufus, was the third son of William the Conqueror and England's king for only 13 years (1087-1100) before he was mysteriously assassinated. In this vivid biography, here updated and reissued with a new preface, Frank Barlow reveals an unconventional, flamboyant William Rufus-a far more attractive and interesting monarch than previously believed. Weaving an intimate account of the life of the king into the wider history of Anglo-Norman government, Barlow shows how William confirmed royal power in England, restored the ducal rights in France, and consolidated the Norman conquest.

Customer Reviews:

remarkable detail on a rare subject.......2002-06-02

I was impressed with the amount of detail on William Rufus by Frank Barlow. He pieced together a time in English history that seems to be looked over by most historians. Barlow makes a strong analytical approach to dispelling public perception of William Rufus. He makes sure you understand that the remaining documentaton on William Rufus is so fragmented. And that that does remain is from one point of view, the Church which obvouisly does not favor William Rufus. Barlow points out William II was a more capable ruler than most give him credit for and this angle is enough to make this book a must read for those interested in Norman History and the English crown.

a look at a forgotten king.......2001-11-24

William Rufus (William the Red), second son of William the Conquer,took over England while his older brother's back was turned and ruled it for little over a decade before being killed in a strange hunting "accident" in the New Forest. That's about all the space he gets in history today, except the claims that he was a homosexual, an atheist, an all-round bad person and the less said the better. While this book takes pains to look at and question these charges,it is not the only subject that the author deals with in William's regin. Despite being a "wild and crazy guy" and running a court that looks like a frat house, William seems also to have been an able adminstor, a good diplomat and a strong enough miltary leader to keep his elder brother out of England and the Saxons quiet. I enjoied this book, one of the few on the subject and a serious study of it's subject. A good source on a rare subject.

William of Malmesbury: Gesta Regum Anglorum: The History of the English Kings Volume 1 (Oxford Medieval Texts)

Average customer rating:

Comprehensive study -- but not full text

William of Malmesbury: Gesta Regum Anglorum: The History of the English Kings Volume 1 (Oxford Medieval Texts)
R. A. B. Mynors , R. M. Thomson , and M. Winterbottom
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 019820678X

Book Description

William of Malmesbury's Regesta Regum Anglorum (Deeds of the English Kings) is one of the great histories of England, and one of the most important historical works of the European Middle Ages. Although its focus is national, its scope encompasses most of Western Europe and beyond, providing a full-scale account of the First Crusade. Apart from its formidable learning, it is characterized by narrative skill and entertainment value - with topics including unpowered flight and Henry I's zoo. This edition in the Oxford Medieval Texts series is the first modern translation and edition. A full historical introduction is supplied in Volume II.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive study -- but not full text.......2002-05-10

Any medievalist will undoubtedly find William of Malmesbury's Gesta cited throughout the footnotes of other studies. This volume provides a comprehensive commentary and analysis of the Malmesbury manuscripts, equal in every respect to the high standard expected from Oxford Medieval Texts.
Be forwarned, however, that this volume contains only the commentary. Those interested in reading the excellent full-text English translation, or making their own interpretation from the Latin will require the companion Volume I, which for some reason, Amazon does not include in its catalogue listings.

Average customer rating:

Starts slow, but has a good ending.
My First Chadwick But Definitely Not The Last!
The Winter Mantle
High expectations disappointed
Outstanding

The Winter Mantle
Elizabeth Chadwick
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312312911

Book Description

Normandy 1067---William may have conquered England, but it is a conquest of a different kind that one English earl has in mind.

Fresh from his defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, accompanied by the English nobles he cannot trust to leave behind. For Waltheof of Huntington, however, rebellion is not at the forefront of his thoughts. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, daughter of the King’s formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife.

When Waltheof saves Judith’s life, it is clear that the attraction is mutual. But marriage has little to do with love in medieval Europe. When William refuses to let the couple wed, Waltheof joins forces with his fellow rebels in an uprising against the King. William brutally crushes the rebellion, but realizes that Waltheof cannot be ignored. Marrying him to his niece, he decides, is the perfect way to keep him in check.

But is the match between the Saxon earl and Norman lady made in heaven or hell? As their children grow, Waltheof and Judith must choose between their feelings for each other and older loyalties. At the same time, the reputation of Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis continues to flourish. The son of William’s chamberlain, he shares a special bond with Waltheof, who rescued him from being trampled by a horse when he was a squire. Now Simon enjoys the confidence of both the King and the rebel earl. And when tension between the two ignites once more, it is Simon who is set to reap the reward.

Based on an astonishing true story of honor, treachery, and love, The Winter Mantle is historical fiction at its very best, reaching from the turbulent reign of William the conqueror to the high drama of the Crusades.

Customer Reviews:

Starts slow, but has a good ending........2007-10-14

This is only the 2nd novel I've read by Elizabeth Chadwick and I have the same comment for both books. They start off slow and most of the action is in the last 1/3 of the book. The climax to the story doesn't unfold into well into the 2nd half of the book. This is a gritty, unadorned novel based on real life characters. The historical part of the book is interesting and well executed. Less satisfactory are the characterizations of the two "heroes" and two "heroines". The women are portrayed as shrews and at least one of the men is portrayed as a happy-go-lucky incompetent. I guess I like my fictional characters to be a little more honorable and likeable. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who like historical fiction and I will continue to read this author.

My First Chadwick But Definitely Not The Last!.......2007-10-11

This was a beautiful exciting tale about a love that eluded one couple but is found by their daughter. It's got so much more than just romance though. It's a solid piece of historical fiction. After reading this I ordered three more of Chadwick's books! A great read!

The Winter Mantle.......2007-02-08

A story of a young girls love, led by the strongest memory of her late father- his White, fur mantle. Dealing, at a loss, with her mother's controlling ways -she makes an escape by way of a marriage to one of her father's friends and former squires (the one who now posseses his winter mantle). He was to originally wed the mother, but instead the daughter went to him. Together they take title and land from the mother. Love does eventually grow between the two. But with a twist, after Simons' crusade in the Holy Land, a nun sends to him that he has had a child with her. Simon accepts this child into his household, understanding that he will have to explain this child to his wife. Unknowning that she has already found out. This is the story of love sought, lost, and the tragedy of betrayal by those you hold dear. A truly good read.

High expectations disappointed.......2006-11-11

I'm having a hard time reconciling all of these positive reviews with the mediocre book I just finished. Until about halfway through the book, I considered abandoning it, and I hardly ever put down a book after starting it. Granted, the second half of the story was much better than the first, but even the second half wasn't great.

The writing is inconsistent, many of the characters are painfully flat, and for all of the criticisms that I've read concerning this book's close resemblance to a tawdry romance novel, I've read better sex scenes in a Harlequin paperback.

If you don't mind the unfocused, meandering plot and shrewish women that fill the first 300 pages, the last 200 pages are somewhat enjoyable. But as a book editor, I don't believe that it's worthwhile to waste a reader's time for very little payoff.

Outstanding.......2006-09-14

Another excellent book from this author, and always a weekend lost in another time. The author's grasp of writing the sights, smells, sounds, food and habits of time are so lifelike it's like you are living in it yourself. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A 'must' for any student of the era

William the Conqueror
David Bates
Manufacturer: Tempus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752429604

Book Description

William the Conqueror was a formidable personality, whose political imagination and ruthless will were the driving force of the Norman Conquest of England. In this biography, David Bates describes the full scope of William’s achievements in both Normandy and England, setting them firmly in the context of Europe in an age of change and turmoil. William showed himself to be an outstanding soldier and an extremely effective ruler, who combined great fortitude with an unbending insistence on his own authority. He was also cruel, greedy, and intolerant—a man who pitilessly stamped out opposition and shamelessly manipulated facts to justify dubious enterprises.

Customer Reviews:

A 'must' for any student of the era.......2004-07-09

William the Conqueror was an ambitious political leader who was the driving force of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Scholar David Bates' new biography WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR documents the man's achievements in Normandy and England, examining these successes in light of European history as a whole. A 'must' for any student of the era.

The Annals of Ireland Translated from the Original Irish of the Four Masters by Owen Connellan (2 Vol. Set)

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J. Chrys Dougherty - early review
First Ever English Translation of the Four Masters (1846)

The Annals of Ireland Translated from the Original Irish of the Four Masters by Owen Connellan (2 Vol. Set)
Michael O'Cleary
Manufacturer: Irish Genealogical Foundation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This was the first translation of these annals into English. It was published in 1846, and appears here exactly as the copy in the IGF library, with additions. The time period covered by the Four Masters here is from the 12th to the 17th century, with annotations covering the earliest times in Irish History. This is a two volume set, with color frontis in each, and a large folding map showing the location of families as given in the annals themselves. Celtic lettering is found on specific pages. New IGF map index included in this edition only. There is no comparable work to that of the Four Masters in Irish History and genealogy.

Customer Reviews:

J. Chrys Dougherty - early review.......2006-08-22

I haven't had time for more than a brief review of both volumes, but since our family from Derrylehan, Donegal, is descended from the O'Daughertaighs of Inshowen, this work is a treasure of infomation of which I have long known but now for the first time have had access to in an excellent translation. I have traced all references to the O'Dohertys in both volumes, but have not yet had time to trace the grandmother's McMahans of Fermanaugh. These books are a big help to anyone wanting to understand the culture of Ireland from the 11th to the 17th century.

First Ever English Translation of the Four Masters (1846).......2003-08-07

A very impressive work, in 2 volumes, hardbound, with four color frontis and the almost forgotten original map of Irish Family locations. The fold out map is about 20 x 25 and is the best of the genre. The Annals by the Four Masters are perhaps the most noted source in Irish history and this was the first translation into English (1846). The formal text is complete from the 12th to the 17th century. In addition, the annotations cover Irish history from the earliest times. We have been waiting for this edition to be published ! (note that Connellans translation preceeded that of O'Donovan.) Helpful index to the old map has been added for the first time. These Annals are in the English language. A few pages have some age markings on them from the original, and it remains a magnificent set of books. All in all, this is one of a kind, with a distinctive color frontis, some celtic lettering, and a map that has been out of print for over 150 years . If you have been waiting for the Annals as we have,
this is a real treat. Connellan, was a leading gaelic scholar, and this first ever translation laid the groundwork for all that would follow in the field.

William the Conqueror: The Norman Impact Upon England (English Monarchs)

Average customer rating:

Finally, someone remembered William was both English and French!
The Classic on the Subject
Substantial History....
Solid work of scholarship
A Conqueroring Book

William the Conqueror: The Norman Impact Upon England (English Monarchs)
David C. Douglas
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520003500

Book Description

In William the Conqueror, Professor Douglas analyzes the causes and the true character of the Norman impact upon England in the eleventh century. The work is both a study of Anglo-Norman history and a biography of a man whose personal career was spectacular, and as reviewers have remarked, it is distinguished by a wealth of scholarship linked to a lucid and agreeable style.

Customer Reviews:

Finally, someone remembered William was both English and French!.......2007-03-10

This book on the life of William the Conqueror (ca 1028 - 1086 AD) was a college textbook for me. (...Which I read much longer ago than I'd care to admit.) I recently read it again, with a much greater appreciation of the quality and depth of Douglas's research and writing.

This work is a readable, well presented and interesting analysis of Duke William of Normandy's life from his early childhood as the bastard son of the murdered Duke Robert of Normandy, living precariously under the protection of various noblemen loyal to his father; through to the zenith of his career as the most powerful and successful ruler in all of Western Europe: noting the challenges he faced as he fought to maintain his position and power in his later years, and ending with his death and the impact he had upon England, France and most of the rest of Western Europe.

You will come away from readng this book with a much greater appreciation of William, and how his intelligence, courage, military and political leadership and ruthlessness enabled him to attain the pinnacle of European society and politics of the time, and forge a legacy that endures down to the present time. You will see how his success had a huge impact upon the development of Feudal society and institutions throughout Western Europe and England. You will understand the complexities of the political, social and religious institutions and relationships of the time, and will have a solid understanding of William's influence upon the leaders and personalities who helped create and lead those same institutions.

It's clear that Professor Douglas is equally comfortable with researching and explaining events and circumstances on both sides of the English Channel. He carefully avoids biasing the reader either for or against the English or French points of view on the life of this controversial man, and succeeds in providing a holistic view of William's life and the world in which he lived.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book a second time, and was impressed with Douglas's encyclopedic knowledge and careful use of original sources from not only in England and France, but Denmark, Germany, Rome and elsewhere in Europe.

My one reservation about the text is the lack of maps. Near the end of the book there is good map of Normandy and another showing Normandy and England. Yet, maps would have been helpful within the main text to give more detail about spatial relationships and movements at the scenes of battles or major events. Given that the book was written about 45 years ago, having two maps would be about average for that time, so I guess I won't put too much emphasis on this point. The charts showing the familial relationships and lines of descent of the Duke and his contemporaries in France, England and Denmark, and various other appendices, were very helpful and interesting.

Any student of History looking to learn more about the life of William and other great rulers of the time, seeking to learn about development of Feudal society and culture, or interested in learning about the foundations of Anglo-Norman society and impact of the Normans upon Anglo-Saxon England (following William's victory over Harold at Hastings in 1066), will find this book to be very informative and useful. On that basis; given the quality of Douglas's writing and research; and this book's enduring reputation within this field, I have no hesitation in rating this book as 5 stars: well worth reading!

The Classic on the Subject.......2005-06-08

Sure, it's like, forty years old, but it still sets the standard in William the Conqueror scholarship. Here are answers, or at least well-phrased hedges about the most important questions surrounding William's life and conquests: Did William introduce feudalism to England or adapt existing social structures? Was his victory in the Battle of Hastings attributable more to the exhaustion of the English after fighting off the Norwegians or more to William's superior conquest? and so forth.

Douglas has read the primary sources in English and French (and Latin, and Italian, etc), he has read the secondary sources, he has, in short, done his homework. I mean, how many books have you read that have quotes from reviewers on the back that say, "the author has set about to self conciously create a masterpiece on the subject... and he has succeded."

The funny thing about this book is that even though it is supremely scholarly, it is also suitable for the general reader. Provided: that reader has either taken an undergraduate course in Midevial history or has done reading on his/her own on the subject. If you only read one book before this one I would recommend either Feudal Society vol. I by Bloch or the Making of the Middle Ages by Southern.

Substantial History...........2004-07-22

William the Conqueror overcame enormous odds and political challenges to succeed his father as Duke of Normandy and his cousin, Edward the Confessor, as King of England. Only by defeating the upstart Harold Godwinson in 1066 at the battle of Hastings was William able to claim his throne. From the moment he attained his majority to the time of his death, William was forced to defend his realm in both Normandy and England from multiple opponents. Despite this rather pressing distraction, William is credited with many non-military achievements, not the least of which is the eager and successful sponsorship of ecclesiastical reform and the completion of the remarkably extensive social survey, Domesday Book.

David C. Douglas has presented a substantial volume detailing the life and times of the Conqueror in admirable style. Discussing social, economic, ecclesiastical, cultural and military events with equal aplomb, Douglas brings the reader an in-depth, nearly digestable account of an epic era in european history. As can be expected of any comprehensive attempt at such a biography, recitation of the names, titles, landholdings and shifting objectives of various and sundry aristocrats, both clerical and lay, can send the reader into a bit of a fog. However, this happens seldom enough to allow this book's excellent formulation and pace to shine through. 4 stars.

Solid work of scholarship.......2004-07-14

David C. Douglas does an excellent job in his attempt to portray the events of William the Conqueror's life. He performs the task of drawing the many aspects of his life together in a very precise manner. The only drawback is that in some places the book's readability suffers from dense information. The amount of research done had to be tremendous considering all the information you come across in the book. I found the descriptions of the ecclesiastical revival in Normandy and subsequently England to be very fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the life behind the legend that is William the Conqueror.

A Conqueroring Book.......2002-06-08

A Classic in any genre! David C. Douglas has made a contribution to literatrue of monumental proportions. No mater if you are a seasoned historian or will never read another book about eourpean history again. I beg of you to make this the one. The story of a young Duke overcoming insurmountable odds, congueroring a nation, and changing the course of history. Hollywood could not write a better script. And David C. Douglas could not have written a better book.

Average customer rating:

Rite of Conquest
Not a Bad Historical Fantasy about William the Conqueror & Matilda
spellbinding historical fantasy

Rite of Conquest
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Roc Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451460022
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Book Description

For 500 years the Saxons ruled England, crushing the ancient powers. But a wave of change approaches. Across the Channel in Normandy, William is born-the bastard son of a duke and a magical woman of Druid descent.

As he grows to manhood, William's battle skills earn him respect, but his temper and disregard for his innate magical abilities hold him back. He needs a teacher, whether he wants one or not, and finds one in the beautiful French noblewoman Mathilda. But William is resistant to the very idea of magic, and unless he can accept Mathilda's help-and her love-his imperfectly controlled abilities may destroy him. In an epic battle that spans worlds and ages, magical forces and earthbound armies will be drawn together by William as he fights to achieve his destiny-and reign as King of England.

Customer Reviews:

Rite of Conquest.......2005-09-14

Judith Tarr is an author I generally like. I've read a number of her books, and they are often quite interesting, even if you have to suspend disbelief. Rite of Conquest is well-written. Unfortunately, I don't think this book is one of her best. In order to make William "the Conqueror" "fit" her "Arthurian" image, she has to do a lot of "playing" with what is historically known, and the result is a tale that doesn't look like any histories I've ever seen of this period. That, in itself, is not bad; it's p ossible in fantasy and science fiction to play with historical "realities" to a certain extent. However, she plays so much with the realities of the time, that the characters simply become unbelievable. Their motivations are not rooted ini any actual context(which I think even a "historical fantasy" writer must accept), but in what she would "like", based on certaiin tropes popular among (some) fantasists: namely "happy pagans" and "magic practitioners". She comes up with some pretty odd practitioners of these arts, e.g. Lanfranc, who was later Archbishop of Canterbury. And she makes William a lot "nicer" than he probably actually was, ignoring the fact that the English probably considered him little more than a thug with a crown on his head. But as I said, she writes well, and if the reader is able to keep a very large grain of salt nearby, it is enjoyable.
Anne G

Not a Bad Historical Fantasy about William the Conqueror & Matilda.......2005-09-01

This is the historical fantasy version of William and Matilda. They are both blessed/cursed with great magic. William is also the reincarnation of King Arthur (which I found extremely difficult to swallow). It follows William and Matilda from 1047-1066 in primarily Normandy & England. The overall story was ok but it was not riveting.

My biggest problem with this novel is the idea that William is actually King Arthur reincarnated. I find it difficult to believe that "William/Arthur" would have been able to justify the slaughter of his own "countrymen" to rightfully rule again.

I enjoyed Judith Tarr's "Pride of Kings" & "Kingdom of the Grail" much more. I guess that's because the stories were more realistic and grounded more in fact rather than so much fantasy/magic such as this one was.

spellbinding historical fantasy.......2004-10-06

Rite of Conquest
Judith Tarr
Roc, Oct 2004, $16.00, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0451460022

In 1047, William the Duke of Normandy tries to ignore the magic that flows through his veins as he battles pretenders and contenders who wish to replace him. The old magic thrives in Normandy with beneficial spirits who want to help mankind. Powerful sorceress Mathilda, daughter of the Count of Flanders, is sent to the French King's court where William has come after winning a decisive battle abetted by King Henry.

When William meets Mathilda, she lectures him on the use of his magic so that he does not inadvertently hurt himself or others. Fearing the magic that is the antithesis of Christianity, William flees to his Normandy, but cannot forget Mathilda. He proposes marriage and she accepts. They may forge a dynasty across the Channel where the Church has thrown out the magic, but William must first defeat King Harold.

The story of William's rise to power, consolidation of that power, and his marriage to Mathilda are part of the history books, but also cleverly interwoven into a spellbinding historical fantasy that once again shows why Judith Tarr is the mistress of the sub-genre. Her unique slant on the events leading to 1066 makes for a fun and fascinating read. The use of magic as a benign tool while the battles provide a more mundane (though interesting) look at William's claiming of the throne with church approval maks for a fascinating juxtaposition. RITE OF CONQUEST is a definite keeper.

Harriet Klausner

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