Matthew Paris (1) (1200–1259)

This volume one, published in 1852, covers 1235 to 1244. Giles is a translator, and not an editor in the modern sense. Therefore, the edition would benefit a very great deal by having more modern biographical and geographical notes covering the difficulties with names and titles. There are no editorial back-ups and Matthew will frequently mention the same individual twice, once by title, and again by name, giving the erroneous impression of two men involved, rather than one. There are no show more maps, and Matthew uses the name "Babylon" when moderns would call the city involved Cairo.

But Matthew was a lively writer, and Giles tries to do justice to a huge undertaking, as this three volume set contains 1568 printed pages, at about nine words a line, and 40 lines to the page.. Over half a million words in longhand, with quill pens, on parchment. It's a physical challenge which Matthew dealt with very well.

The chronicle also contains a great many letters which we assume are copied directly, giving the reader an impression of formal diplomatic language in those days.
Overall, this a an engrossing read, but not for the dilettante. show less

The second volume, from 1244 to 1252. It contains material on the controversy between Frederic II and Pope Innocent IV. The Seventh Crusade, and the increasing troubles of Henry III of England with his domestic foes are also covered in detail. Sadly, this translation pre-dates a lot of genealogical research, and the bewildering problem of differing titles at different points in a man's career aren't dealt with. Also, Matthew had no critical apparatus about news from Germany and Italy, and show more some errors of fact and timing are included. I'd say this is a work to be consulted with a good deal of caution. show less

We end the "Major Chronicle", 1256 - 73, at last. Rev. Giles translation isn't improved any in volume three, but the work is long, and I can't easily find any more recent and complete works. this is the 1854 publication but the 1968 reprint.