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Britain Begins (2013)

by Barry W. Cunliffe(Favorite Author)

4.37 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0199609330 (ISBN13: 9780199609338)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Oxford University Press, USA

review 1: A very readable fascinating book especially the parts dealing with the period BC, I thought the period AD was written somewhat less motivated somehow (hardly paying attention to the influence of Christianity for example). Cunliffe is an excellent archaeologist but I am afraid he sometimes makes rather bold and oversimplified conclusions when it comes down to historical linguistics (e.g. he still sees the difference between P/Q Celtic languages as a major divide). His Tartassian theory set up with Koch is very interesting though. Throughout the book it is not entirely clear whether he also wants to include Irish prehistory, he sort of touches it now and then but also ignoring huge bits. Recommended read!
review 2: Cunliffe never loses site of the limitation of t... morehe methodology or the evidence he is using. Which cannot be said of all modern Archeologists. He's particularly good on the strengths and weaknesses of the modern vogue for DNA 'Evidence'. I bought this because I wanted to read a sane and up to date summary of what's currently thought about the Germanic migrations into Britain, and he provides it. But I found myself reading the whole book. Beautifully illustrated, with many maps and diagrams, and surprisingly readable for a book that doesn't flinch from the necessity of making the details evident, or the processes required to get at them, of for admitting that there are times when the History just cannot be known. less

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