Dedication and Part One: Brutus Occupies the Island of Albion Summary and Analysis

Geoffrey's dedication is a request that his benefactor, Alexander, receive the text favorably. Geoffrey speaks highly of the ruler and asks that Alexander ignore the base language in which Geoffrey writes. He refers to himself as an inadequate writer attempting to do what little he can for Alexander's glory. The dedication is a necessary part of ancient texts as writers need a benefactor to promote their work. However, the book is probably intended for Alexander as a warning against pursuing personal glory and Geoffrey needs a way to sugar-coat the truth of his text.

The first part opens with a description of Britain as an idyllic island. The rich soil provides a bounty of crops, while the clear running streams and beautiful forests...