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Geoffrey of Monmouth.
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The English pseudohistorian Geoffrey of Monmouth (ca. 1100-1155) is known for his "History of the Kings of Britain," through which he contributed greatly to the dissemination of the Arthurian legend t...
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Of both the life and the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth more is known than is usual about an author of the twelfth century, but this information has often been the subject of controversy, both in his o...
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In the following essay, Thompson presents evidence that Geoffrey used Caesar's Commentary on the Gallic Wars as a source for his own History.
Arthur's campaigns in Gaul, here collectivel...
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In the following essay, Furtado concludes that the Elidurus episode in Geoffrey's narrative, or at least a related document or tradition, served as the source for later versions of the legend o...
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In the following essay, André argues that Geoffrey's writings concerning Christianity are in part historically authentic and in part politically-motivated propaganda.
William of Newborou...
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In the following essay, Robertson explains how Geoffrey distanced himself from rhetorical historians and the prevailing practices of historiography by asserting that his chronicle was a translation. R...
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In the following essay, Curran argues that playwrights who tried to be faithful in their adaptations of Geoffrey's material met with disappointing results, whereas William Shakespeare's ...
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In the following essay, Hanning discusses the impact of the Normans on the more secular attitude toward historical study in the twelfth century. He focuses on how Geoffrey demonstrated this new approa...
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In the following essay, Roberts contends that Geoffrey's historical view was influenced by the teachings of native Welsh historians.
Former generations of readers, who accepted Geoffrey'...
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In the following excerpt, Leckie discusses the many problems faced by medieval historians in chronicling Britain's past and traces the reaction to and impact of Geoffrey's effort.
Prior ...
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In the following essay, Crawford examines evidence indicating that Geoffrey did not read Welsh and was unfamiliar with Breton, but that, rather, his history was based on remembered oral tales, embelli...
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Geoffrey of Monmouth
Geoffrey of Monmouth
Critical Essay by Mary L. H. Thompson
