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The Keys To Avalon: The Compelling Journey To The Real Kingdom Of Arthur
Avalon is Britain's very own Atlantis - a mystical kingdom rich in myth and lore. Legends tell how the body of King Arthur was taken to Avalon, where he would wait till his nation's hour of need. The truth is that Avalon was a very real place with a turbulent history of its own. The authors of this study use neglected ancient sources, geographical clues and modern maps to take us to the heart of this realm. They uncover a remarkable landscape steeped in evidence of a bygone age. En route, they debunk the claims of other places to the name of Avalon, and literally redraw the map of Dark Age Britain, forcing us to re-examine all of our theories about this era. Ultimately, they reveal the kernel of historical truth at the heart of the Arthurian legend and unlock the borders of a lost land.
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First published April 27, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 25, 2010
Any kind of research that involves delving back into a past not exactly bulging with meticulous written references to historical events and people must be nothing short of arduous. Arthur - man, myth, legend, king - has possibly had more written about him than any other character in history. It has taken a while for Arthur's true origins to be revealed and accepted: the fact that he would not have been a medieval king in shining armour, but more than likely a Celtic warlord, struggling against invading foreign forces. Arthur is important to us because he appears as the ideal of kingship during both peace and war, representing all that is good and true in a leader.
Alas, writers of the Middle Ages, notably Geoffrey of Monmouth, sensing a good story when they heard one, tended towards using ancient myths and legends in a context of their own era of knighthood and chivalry. Arthur became a medieval symbol of just sovereignty. However, the problem with historians of yesteryear is they did not base their interpretation of history and recording of events on actual facts: they would often 'adjust' historical fact for one reason or another, so modern historians cannot completely rely on the medieval transcriber of events. They would also sometimes report something as a factual event, even if it did not actually happen. Or else they might place a story in a context familiar to listeners or readers, thus causing much confusion. Names of places, people, battle sites and rivers would also change according to an era. Modern research is thus fraught with contextual problems.
A number of identifiable historical figures have been suggested as having been the 'real Arthur' but since the name occurs from the 7th century AD onwards, it's more likely that these individuals were named in his honour. The real Arthur was one of the last native British leaders to make a successful stand against barbarian forces during the 5th and 6th century AD. He is thought to have come from the Celtic area of Britain, an area then called the Kingdom of Powys (now West Midlands and central Wales). Most likely a nobleman of British-Roman ancestry, Arthur was believed to have had extensive knowledge of Roman military strategies and warfare which he used successfully in repelling the Saxon attacks.
How does one separate fact from fiction, teasing out legend from actual events? Not an easy task when so many magical elements seem to hamper history. A mysterious island called Avalon, a sleeping king who will arise, a splendid kingdom called Camelot, an enchanted sword called Excalibur? How can a modern historian make sense of all this? Authors Steve Blake and Scott Lloyd have traced original key documents (long neglected by researchers) in their search for the truth about Arthur. They also prove how history has been previously moulded to suit political purpose - is not history written by the victors? A fascinating book, but not an easy read. This is a book of painstaking investigation so don't expect an historical mystery with Clive Owen emerging as Arthur at the end. Detailed but fascinating!
Alas, writers of the Middle Ages, notably Geoffrey of Monmouth, sensing a good story when they heard one, tended towards using ancient myths and legends in a context of their own era of knighthood and chivalry. Arthur became a medieval symbol of just sovereignty. However, the problem with historians of yesteryear is they did not base their interpretation of history and recording of events on actual facts: they would often 'adjust' historical fact for one reason or another, so modern historians cannot completely rely on the medieval transcriber of events. They would also sometimes report something as a factual event, even if it did not actually happen. Or else they might place a story in a context familiar to listeners or readers, thus causing much confusion. Names of places, people, battle sites and rivers would also change according to an era. Modern research is thus fraught with contextual problems.
A number of identifiable historical figures have been suggested as having been the 'real Arthur' but since the name occurs from the 7th century AD onwards, it's more likely that these individuals were named in his honour. The real Arthur was one of the last native British leaders to make a successful stand against barbarian forces during the 5th and 6th century AD. He is thought to have come from the Celtic area of Britain, an area then called the Kingdom of Powys (now West Midlands and central Wales). Most likely a nobleman of British-Roman ancestry, Arthur was believed to have had extensive knowledge of Roman military strategies and warfare which he used successfully in repelling the Saxon attacks.
How does one separate fact from fiction, teasing out legend from actual events? Not an easy task when so many magical elements seem to hamper history. A mysterious island called Avalon, a sleeping king who will arise, a splendid kingdom called Camelot, an enchanted sword called Excalibur? How can a modern historian make sense of all this? Authors Steve Blake and Scott Lloyd have traced original key documents (long neglected by researchers) in their search for the truth about Arthur. They also prove how history has been previously moulded to suit political purpose - is not history written by the victors? A fascinating book, but not an easy read. This is a book of painstaking investigation so don't expect an historical mystery with Clive Owen emerging as Arthur at the end. Detailed but fascinating!
May 19, 2018
Wow. I loved this expertly researched book.
November 10, 2012
Fantastic!
This appears to finally place into historically/geographically proper context the story of Arthur.
Well researched moving beyond classic English historical documents to older Welsh sources. If the premise is correct, this research sets the stage to rewrite the early medieval history of England particularly the portion located in Wales. The authors have a second book that I have not yet acquired called Pendragon - a must find.
Highly recommended!
Ray
This appears to finally place into historically/geographically proper context the story of Arthur.
Well researched moving beyond classic English historical documents to older Welsh sources. If the premise is correct, this research sets the stage to rewrite the early medieval history of England particularly the portion located in Wales. The authors have a second book that I have not yet acquired called Pendragon - a must find.
Highly recommended!
Ray
August 4, 2016
This book is very thorough. To the point of repetition.
It's interesting to see the truth of Arthur and geography separated from the myth that's been created.
I would suggest this book to those interested in history, Arthur and something bordering on a text book. Unless, of course, they don't want to loose the veil of fantasy and romance that surrounds the characters.
It's interesting to see the truth of Arthur and geography separated from the myth that's been created.
I would suggest this book to those interested in history, Arthur and something bordering on a text book. Unless, of course, they don't want to loose the veil of fantasy and romance that surrounds the characters.
October 12, 2010
A complicated read, but a fascinating one. Explains the many ways that the legends of King Arthur may have actually taken place in a small portion of Wales. Very colorful and factual.
January 27, 2016
I just can't get enough of King Arthur. The story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have fascinated me since child hood and I just have to read them all.
January 1, 2015
scarno di contenuti reali
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November 18, 2009It's fascinating and completely rewrites the History of Great Britain- with tings to back it up.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews