Perspective

The dedication of the book explains how Geoffrey came to write this history. The Archdeacon of Oxford approached Geoffrey with an ancient text written in the British tongue. Since the preferred language of Geoffrey's time was Latin, the archdeacon's goal is that this apparently important text be translated into a language more appropriate for noble consumption. There is also an underlying reason for writing the text. Geoffrey is a writer, an occupation not widely known for its income. Geoffrey hopes that some high born nobleman will find favor with his writing and give the work his stamp of approval.

The reader is intrigued by Geoffrey's history. His narrative provides a user-friendly historical text. The book reads more like a novel than a non-fiction work which increases the reader's sense of scrutiny. It is difficult for the reader to completely believe everything that Geoffrey reports but the style of...