In Search of the Dark Ages
- Author: Michael Wood
- Publisher: BBC Books
- Classification: Celtic History, Dark Ages, European History
In Search of the Dark Ages was originally a BBC television series first broadcast in c. 1979. It covers the period of history between the Romans leaving and the Normans arriving, called the dark ages. Mostly because of a supposed paucity of intellectual thought.
This little book covers a lot of history in its 261 pages, including:
- Boudica
- King Arthur
- The Sutton Hoo Man
- Offa
- Alfred the Great
- Athelstan
- Eric Bloodaxe
- Ethelred the Unready
- William the Conqueror
Although this period is supposed to be the dark ages it’s surprising just how much impact they’ve had on modern England, and Britain as a whole. For example Alfred is believed to have introduced the idea of hundreds and tithings, which essentially divided the country into areas with local government, administration, justice etc. This was done in c. 940 and remained largely unchanged until the 1970’s.
Another aspect I found interesting was the views discussed around William the Conqueror and The Doomsday Book. Although this was undeniably a massive undertaking, it was only possible through the work of earlier Kings of England, in particular Alfred.
The nickname Unraed from which the modern corruption ‘Unready’ is derived […] Unraed means ‘no council’
This is one of those books that I hate to review. There’s nothing particularly bad, the writing is good enough, and he obviously knows his stuff. Wherever there’s evidence he includes it, and is happy to fill in the gaps with the accepted, or at least his, views. The style of writing and reference also makes it accessible in a way that should be applauded.
However, although it’s not particularly bad, it’s also not particularly good. I feel somewhat ambivalent towards it. And that as a reviewer is a killer. If you love something you can rave about it and argue with people who disagree (the massive cretins they obviously are). The same of course if you think it’s the biggest load of crap since Street Fighter the movie (anyone taking the bate here?).
But all I can really say here is, ‘it’s all right’.
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