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 between the late 1070s and the mid-1260s, the formidable rulers of Man and the Isles played their game of thrones in this realm of islands, seaways, and lochs. Sadly, the story of the medieval sea kingdoms and their rulers has almost vanished from modern memory.
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.
To celebrate the publication of his new book, A Visitor’s Guide To The Medieval Kingdoms Of Man And The Isles, 1066-1275, one of the foremost scholars of the medieval period, Professor R. Andrew McDonald will be on-Island talking 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. His 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their medieval context in the Isle of Man as well as elsewhere in the kingdom, sit alongside new translations of key historical documents, maps, tables, timelines and illustrations all of which help bring the world of the sea kings vividly to life.
The talk will start at 12pm. 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.
Pre-ordering Tickets and Books:
To purchase your Tickets and/or Books prior to the Talk: please click the Buy tickets button above, complete the drop down options, click the Add to basket button and then proceed to the Basket in the top right hand corner of your screen to complete payment.
To order a Signed Book only for later collection, you will still need to complete the Booking details date and time slots for the book signing as above, but we understand that you will not be attending the talk and will collect the book from our Manx Museum Gallery Shop any time after Wednesday 23rd August.