Completed in 1136, this classic chronicle traces the story of the realm
from its supposed foundation by Brutus to the coming of the Saxons some
two thousand years later. Vividly portraying legendary and
semi-legendary figures such as Lear, Cymbeline, Merlin the magician, and
the most famous of all British heroes, King Arthur, it is as much myth
as it is history, and its veracity was questioned by other medieval
writers. But Geoffrey of Monmouth's powerful evocation of illustrious
men and deeds captured the imagination of subsequent generations, and
his influence can be traced through the works of Malory, Shakespeare,
Dryden, and Tennyson.
Lewis Thorpe's translation from the Latin brings us an accurate and
enthralling version of Geoffrey's remarkable narrative. His introduction
discusses in depth the aims of the author and his possible sources, and
describes the impact of this work on British literature.