| Author |
Giraldus, Cambrensis, 1146?-1223? |
| Title |
The Description of Wales
|
| Note |
Reading ease score: 50.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
|
| Credits |
Transcribed from the 1912 J. M. Dent edition by David Price
|
| Summary |
"The Description of Wales" by Gerald of Wales is a historical account written in the late 12th century that explores the geography, culture, and inhabitants of Wales. The work is a detailed examination of the natural landscape, ancient divisions, and social customs of the Welsh people, reflecting a deep sense of national pride. Gerald, motivated by love for his homeland and a desire to counter the neglect of Welsh history by prominent historians, aims to illuminate the significance and character of Wales and its people. The beginning of the text presents Gerald’s aspirations for the work as he dedicates it to Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, expressing both humility and determination. He defends his decision to document Wales against critiques suggesting he should focus on more grand subjects. The opening also touches upon his previous writings and provides a brief outline of the geographical divisions and significant tribes of the Welsh itself. He emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Welsh, their bravery, and their customs while grappling with skepticism about the value of detailing what some perceive as a lesser-known region. Overall, Gerald aims to preserve and celebrate the essence of Wales through his observations and narratives, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration in the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
DA: History: General and Eastern Hemisphere: Great Britain, Ireland, Central Europe
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| Subject |
Wales -- Description and travel
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| Subject |
Wales -- Social life and customs
|
| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1092 |
| Release Date |
Nov 1, 1997 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Feb 9, 2015 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
191 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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