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The First Kingdom

Britain in the age of Arthur
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( 689 ratings, 69 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The First Kingdom by Max Adams is a detailed exploration of Britain's earliest history, tracing the development of its societies from the Ice Age to the advent of Christianity. Through archaeological evidence and historical analysis, the book reconstructs how early Britons lived, interacted, and evolved in the landscapes that shaped their identities. It's a vivid portrayal of the complexities of life in ancient Britain, offering insights into the roots of modern British culture.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by the transformative periods of British history and enjoy exploring the emergence and development of early kingdoms, this book provides a captivating examination of the post-Roman world and the formation of early England. Max Adams expertly weaves together archaeology and historical narrative, making it ideal for readers interested in how ancient landscapes and societies evolved through time.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An investigation of the obscure centuries that followed the departure of the Romans from Britain.

From the author of The King in the North – an intellectually probing and beautifully wrought investigation of the obscure centuries that followed the departure of the Romans from Britain.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The bestselling author of The King in the North turns his attention to the obscure era of British history known as 'the age of Arthur'.

'Not just a valuable book, but a distinctive one as well' Tom Holland, Sunday Times

'An accessible and illuminating book' Gerard de Groot, The Times

'A fascinating picture of Britain's new-found independence' This England

Somewhere between the departure of the Roman legions in the early fifth century and the arrival of Augustine's Christian mission at the end of the sixth, the kingdoms of Early Medieval Britain were formed. But by whom? And out of what?

The First Kingdom is a skilfully wrought investigation of this mysterious epoch, synthesizing archaeological research carried out over the last forty years to tease out reality from the myth. Max Adams presents an image of post-Roman Britain whose resolution is high enough to show the emergence of distinct political structures in the sixth century – polities that survive long enough to be embedded in the medieval landscape, recorded in the lines of river, road and watershed, and memorialized in place names.

Series: The Founders of Britain Quartet

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  • The First Kingdom
    The bestselling author of The King in the North turns his attention to the obscure era of British history known as 'the age of Arthur'. 'Not just a valuable book, but a distinctive one as well' Tom Holland, Sunday Times 'An accessible and illuminating book' Gerard de Groot, The Times 'A fascinating picture of Britain's new-found independence' This England Somewhere...
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  • The Mercian Chronicles
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Max Adams' The First Kingdom is praised for its distinctive and engaging writing, synthesising archaeology and historical research over recent decades. Reviewers highlight its critical examination of traditional narratives and its success in painting a vivid panorama of Early Medieval Britain within the broader European context. The book's approach is seen as both valuable and sensitive, offering an insightful picture of Britain's emerging independence.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788543484

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 November 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Apollo

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 412g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Max Adams is a writer, archaeologist and woodsman whose work explores themes of landscape, knowledge and human connectedness with the earth. He is the author of Admiral Collingwood, Aelfred's Britain, Trees of Life, the bestselling The King in the North and In the Land of Giants. He has lived and worked in the North-East of England since 1993.

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  • The Museum of the Wood Age
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  • The Wisdom of Trees
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  • In the Land of Giants
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  • Northumbria AD 367-867
    From the author of the bestselling The King in the North. The story of the lands between the Forth and Humber from the end of the Roman period to the Viking kingdom of York is one of the most richly fascinating in British history. This is the age of Lindisfarne and of Bede; of the dramatic hills, valleys, and ancient...
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  • The Mercian Chronicles
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