Guy Halsall

This is one of those books were I find it hard to say if I liked it or not. On the one hand, I disagree with some of Halsall's major conclusions (and in at least one case I'd say subsequent genetic work has proven him wrong and me right), on the other it was certainly an interesting read, making me think and discuss the subject with fellow mil-hist enthusiasts. I'm definitely happy to have read it.

So I guess it's a book to read if you want something thought-provoking rather than something definitive. (Not that I think there is something definitive to read on the subject.)… (mere)

Excellent summary of the current evidence and understanding of British history circa 500CE. As a long-standing if amateur student of the period I was impressed by Halsall's marshalling of the evidence, his debunking of the nutters, and his suggested interpretations of the history. I don't necessarily agree with all his conclusions, but they are reasonable and credible, and food for thought. He only gets technical on us once, on the dating systems used (or misused) in the Annales Cambriae, and otherwise this book can be read with pleasure and profit by interested layfolk. Halsall has a nice line in snarky humour, too; the chapter debunking the idea of the survival of 'Celtic' paganism in the 6thC is titled 'These aren't the druids you are looking for'.

Recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in the history of Britain after the Romans. Not recommended for romantic believers in Arthur.… (mere)

Engaging, accessible and cogent demolition of historic and recent attempts to identify King Arthur.

This is definitely one for those with a serious interest, as it assumes you have a fair amount of context - newcomers familiar only with Malory or worse Hollywood may be deeply confused. A great addition for any with serious / long term interest in Dark Age Britain.

At times a little repetitive and perhaps overly detailed regarding supporting evidence that is at best peripheral to the main thrust of the argument, but never totally bogged down and generally fascinating. I was particularly intrigued by arguments pertaining to Magnus Maximus and Vortigern!… (mere)