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 own and in later times. Geoffrey was probably born about 1100, and he almost certainly died in 1155. That he styled himself for most of his life as "of Monmouth" has led to suggestions that he was born there and/or that he resided in or was educated there at a Benedictine priory, founded by Wihenoc, one of the Breton lords of Monmouth, some years before Geoffrey's birth. Since he also bears a Norman name, sought Norman patronage, and shows intense interest in Welsh pseudohistory and legend, a mixed Norman-or Breton-Welsh background is also possible. Scholars have argued, often chauvinistically, for each of these origins, but none of these arguments is conclusive. Moreover...