In The Land Of Giants - Max Adams
Review by Tom
Rating: 8/10
Post-Roman Britain is a strange place for the modern historian. Whilst some stayed behind, the majority of the Roman armies and political structures left and we are left with this murky, unclear period from 410AD-600AD. Many believe that this was the time of Arthur, the myths and legends era of the UK and Ireland. Even with this in mind, this period of British and Irish history is hardly dark. With innovations and adaptions using what the Roman's left behind lead to the beginnings of the famous Saxon and Anglican kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria. The Roman ruins being believed to have been left by a race of giants alongside the reuse of our ancient barrows and monuments of our Brythonic and Celtic past, Max Adams's engaging, insightful and scholarly travelogue/historical narrative takes you on several journeys all over the British Isles, which are intersected by short snippets of journey's along Hadrian's Wall.
Some of you readers may be familiar with Max Adams, I reviewed his book The King In The North: The Life & Times Of Oswald Of Northumbria on here way back in December last year. From that point onwards I was an instant fan. Max's no nonsense writing style, analytical prowess and dry humour appeals to me. As a seasoned walker, motorcyclist and sailor, you join Max on his various adventures through this "dark age" landscape of ours. The idea of a travelogue never usually appeals to me, but given the historical element of this one, I thought I'd give reading one a go and this was the best choice I could have made. It's one of those books that improves everything; historical understanding, analytical knowledge and more interestingly geography.
Exploring routes in Northumbria, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Kent, there is a veritable feast of history on offer during Max's travels. The in-depth and detailed knowledge that Max has really brings the history to life. Everything from Bede to the relatively modern day, Max knows the landscapes he's found himself in intimately. No stone is left unturned as you get to know the quirks in the land, the villages and towns that are connected by its old Roman roads and the origins of their place names. The book is easily able to immerse you as it flicks between key historical moments and the name of the pub or campsite that Max would be staying in after a day's trekking. If you have read his aforementioned book, this feels like an augmenting guide to the world that Oswald and his warring family was part of. Adding to what you've learned to gain a greater understanding of this Early Medieval world through its religion, symbols, customs and artwork.
Overall, the book is exactly what it says on the tin, I felt like I was walking, sailing or riding the miles along with him. This refreshing take on the history book through personal experience gives the history a very personal feel. By bringing it to life in this way, it is a lot easier to relate to. When you can relate to it, I find you feel more inspired and this comes as a contrast to the usual academic history books. If you're interested in the ancient landscape around you this book will definitely pique your curiosity and inspire you to look a little more closely at what's around you.
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