Manx National Heritage is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of ‘A Visitor’s Guide To The Medieval Kingdoms Of Man And The Isles, 1066-1275’, a new book by Professor R. Andrew McDonald.
To celebrate the launch, Professor McDonald, one of the foremost scholars of the medieval period will host a lunchtime talk and book signing at the Manx Museum on Wednesday 23 August when he will talk about the development of the book, the main topics covered and how significant the time was for the Island.
Professor McDonald is a regular visitor to the Island from Canada, and a popular speaker. His previous publications have highlighted, to an international audience, the role the Isle of Man played in the sea kingdom established by the Vikings.
Andrew’s new book provides a straightforward introduction to the history, archaeology, and built heritage of the forgotten Kingdoms of Man and the Isles, tracing important historical events, individuals, and themes, and identifying and exploring significant historical sites and monuments of the period, many of which are still visible and accessible today.
Discussions of sites and their medieval context in the Isle of Man as well as elsewhere in the kingdom, sit alongside new translations of key historical documents, maps, tables, timelines and illustrations all of which help bring the world of the sea kings vividly to life.
Professor McDonald said “Whether you are an armchair tourist, first-time visitor, seasoned traveller, student, or enthusiast, this book is a modern visitor’s companion to these lost medieval maritime kingdoms.”
The talk will start at 12pm on Wednesday 23 August in the Manx Museum lecture theatre. After the talk, from 12.45pm, the author will be on hand to sign books. There will be an opportunity to pre-order copies of the book to be signed by Professor McDonald, to purchase copies on the day, and to order a book to be signed and collected later, if you are unable to attend.
Tickets £10 available online and at the Manx Museum, pre-ordered signed books £42 and £50 when purchased together on www.manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
In the High Middle Ages, the Isle of Man and the Hebridean islands off the Scottish coast were forged into unique water-worlds known as the Kingdoms of Man and the Isles. For two centuries, the rulers of the kingdoms plied the seaways with their galley-fleets, earning international reputations as both ferocious warlords and pious Christian princes. Sadly, the story of the medieval sea kingdoms and their rulers has almost vanished from modern memory.
About the author:
Andrew McDonald is Professor of History and past Director of the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Brock University in Canada. He is the author of many books and articles on medieval Man and the Isles and is a regular visitor to the erstwhile kingdoms. The new book has contributions by Angus A. Somerville and Benjamin T. Hudson.
Image: Professor McDonald
Media contact:
Lynsey Clague BA (Hons) MCIPR
Communications Manager – Manx National Heritage
T: 01624 648032
Manx National Heritage, Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin
Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LY
Isle of Man Registered Charity No 603