A History of Merioneth: Middle Ages v.2

(Hardback)

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Description

The publication of this volume will mark an important step towards the completion of the comprehensive History of Merioneth long envisaged by the Merioneth History and Records Society. Consisting of thirteen chapters, written by specialists in the field, the volume describes the history of the county in its several aspects from the period of the early Welsh rulers to the end of the sixteenth century. The political history of Merioneth up to the Edwardian conquest; the government of the county between the conquest and the Union legislation, and the particular position of Edeirnion and Mawddwy; the Church and monastic orders; rural society, settlement and landscape; urban society and trade; the literary tradition of the county and its heraldry; and the political and cultural history in the period following the Union. Each topic is studied in detail to show the county's rich and fascinating history over several centuries. Chapters devoted to the castles, the churches and monastic buildings and the domestic architecture reflect the importance of the county's built heritage, each contribution a well-illustrated essay.

Reviews

'Although the editorial introduction to this magisterial volume denies that it is 'a definitive history of an inhibitive nature', it is hard to imagine how it will be superseded for a long time to come. Although the progress of research on particular themes may eventually render individual points obsolete, much of the achievement of the volume lies precisely in bringing so much material together on a scale that is nowadays very rare. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated on seeing this project through to completion. The standard of scholarship is outstanding, each contributor being the acknowledged authority in the appropriate field ... It is a major contribution to medieval Welsh studies with much to offer medieval scholars in other areas.' History '...the volume succeeds admirably. The content is frequently concentrated and detailed but invariably lucid and informative.' Studia Celtica 'The editors can be congratulated for bringing together a book of high quality, with chapters that are rich in detail and valuable observation.' (Archaeologia Cambrensis, Vol 150) "This volume is itself a fine addition to Merioneth's many treasures." Gerald Morgan, Aberystwyth, Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies

Author Bio

J.Beverley Smith, Emeritus Professor of Welsh and Welsh History, Aberystwyth Llinos Beverley Smith, History, Aberystwyth