The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and The Isles
by R Andrew McDonald and Angus Somerville with a contribution by Benjamin T Hudson
Discover the medieval Kingdom of Man and the Isles through its earliest surviving history
Paperback, 256 pages
In Stock
The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles is one of the most important surviving sources for understanding the medieval history of the Isle of Man and the Irish Sea world. This thirteenth-century manuscript records the turbulent story of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles between approximately 1016 and 1316, when Norse-Gaelic kings ruled a kingdom stretching across the islands and waters of the Irish Sea.
In this accessible new translation, historians R. Andrew McDonald and Angus Somerville, with a contribution by Benjamin T. Hudson, bring this remarkable medieval chronicle to a modern audience.
The book follows the Kings of Man and the Isles, exploring their rivalries, alliances, conflicts and relationships with the major powers of medieval Britain and Ireland. Alongside the translated Chronicles, detailed historical commentary helps explain the many people, places and events that appear throughout this fascinating year-by-year account.
The story is placed in its wider historical context through newly translated extracts from other contemporary sources, including the Saga of King Hakon of Norway. Together, these sources shed light on the political, social and religious world of medieval Man and the Isles and the complex Norse-Gaelic culture that shaped the region.
Whether you are interested in Manx history, Viking history, medieval Britain and Ireland, Norse-Gaelic culture, or the history of the Irish Sea, this guide provides an engaging introduction to a pivotal period in the story of the Isle of Man.
Written to be both scholarly and accessible, The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles: An Introductory Guide is an invaluable resource for students and researchers, as well as a fascinating read for anyone wanting to discover the medieval origins of the Isle of Man.
A compelling introduction to the kings, kingdoms and conflicts that shaped medieval Man and the Isles.
