In Search Of The Dark Ages (1981)

Michael Wood's In Search of the Dark Ages is a survey of British history from Boudica to William the Conqueror, looking at the formation of a British -- or English? it's not always terribly clear which he's interested in -- identity. Obviously, he has to do a quick whip past subjects that whole books have been written about (some of which I've read), so it isn't written in amazing detail, but it's a decent overview.

It was, however, nigh on ruined for me by the repeated use of the word 'barbarians' and the concept of the 'Third World'. He can't seem to decide whether he's using the word barbarians ironically or not; one minute he's saying that they were unorganised, lawless, without any culture, the next he's using the word in inverted commas with a hint of criticism of that idea. One minute they're tactical and well-organised, the next a howling mob who naturally get beaten by the Romans. And he uses that word again of various different cultures, so you have to wonder what exactly he thinks it means. Anyone who doesn't fit right into his narrative of a British/English identity? ( )

The best of several books I read recently on Middle Ages history, this focuses on one character in each chapter. Particularly interesting: Queen Bodicea and whether King Arthur was based on a real guy. (I'll save you some time: no.) It's based on a BBC miniseries by the same name, which makes it sound like it can't be very good, but surprise! It is. ( )

30 years after this was published, the way it was written was a little disconcerting, with plenty of "we currently know" and "we suspect" and "at this time"s, pulling you back from enjoying the narrative too much. It made you realise how little is really known about this time - to the point that we dont even know if some of the people mentioned in this book actually existed.

Shortish book however, which gave some insight into a time that many laymen know little about (around 700 - 1000 AD), even if they think they do.

The history of Briton from the middle of Roman rule up through the arrival of William (1066) told through the histories of various important people. Wood begins with Boudicca and then moves on to the historical basis for a King Arthur before following with the leaders of the Anglo-Saxons, Danes, etc. that populated pre-Norman England. Easy to read and well-illustrated, I found the book to be very informative and will certainly be keeping it on my shelves.

Michael Wood’s chapters focus primarily on successive rulers during the Dark Ages (AD 500-1000), and he provides additional background information to assist with understanding the context. This book would serve as a good jumping-off point for anyone interested in finding out even more about the time period and its personalities. While reading, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how much we know from so long ago, yet at the same time be saddened by how much more we will never know. ( )