Formative Britain: An Archaeology of Britain, Fifth to Eleventh Century AD

Formative Britain provides an account of the diverse and disputatious communities of Picts, Scots, Welsh, Cumbrian and Cornish Britons, Northumbrians, Angles and Saxons that occupied the island of Britain between 400 and 1100 AD. It is the first book to describe the experience of all levels of society over the whole island using archaeology alone, and aims to inform students and archaeological researchers, as well as relevant stakeholders and general readers, of how the islands of Britain developed in the early medieval period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Britain's formative years, spanning from 400 to 1100 AD, are explored in depth in "Formative Britain." This captivating account delves into the diverse communities that inhabited the island, leaving an enduring impact on the political landscape of today. Through forty years of groundbreaking archaeological research, a rich tapestry of diverse and contentious societies has emerged, including the Picts, Scots, Welsh, Cumbrian, and Cornish Britons, Northumbrians, Angles, and Saxons. These communities expressed their worldviews and beliefs through a multitude of sites and monuments, leaving a lasting legacy.

"Formative Britain" is a groundbreaking work that presents a comprehensive description of the experiences of all societal levels across the entire island through the lens of archaeology alone. The narrative is woven from the intricate details of men and women's clothing, facial features, and biology, as well as the surviving imagery in their poetry, the places they called home, the tasks they undertook, the ingenious celebrations of their graves and burial grounds, the decorated stone monuments, and the diverse messages they conveyed.

This comprehensive account is designed to appeal to students and archaeological researchers at various academic and commercial levels. It also serves as a valuable resource for relevant stakeholders and general readers interested in understanding the development of the islands of Britain during the early medieval period. Many of the ideas forged during this formative era continue to shape the UK's future as it seeks to establish a consensus program for its future.

In conclusion, "Formative Britain" offers a profound exploration of the people, societies, and ideas that shaped the island's early medieval history. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, it provides a valuable insight into the foundations of modern Britain and its ongoing quest for consensus and progress.

Weight: 1650g
Dimension: 252 x 185 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415524759