History of the Dukes of Normandy and the Kings of England by the Anonymous of Bethune

In the thirteenth century, an anonymous Flemish writer created a chronicle in Old French that covered Normandy, England, Flanders, and northern France, from the Viking arrival to the early years of King Henry III's reign. The work is renowned for its vivid and informed portrayal of King John's reign, including the baronial reaction, Magna Carta, civil war, and Louis' attempted invasion of England. Janet Shirley's translation of the chronicle, the first into English, introduces it to a new audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the early 13th century, an unknown Flemish writer embarked on the captivating task of crafting a chronicle, written in the elegant language of Old French, encompassing the lands of Normandy, England, Flanders, and northern France. This remarkable work spanned a vast expanse of time, from the arrival of the Viking invaders in Normandy to the early days of King Henry III's reign in England, culminating in an account of the awe-inspiring translation of the revered relics of St. Thomas Becket to their magnificent new shrine within the majestic Canterbury Cathedral in 1220. Throughout its journey, this chronicle seamlessly integrated and contributed to a rich tradition of historical writing, which had its roots in Latin during the eleventh and twelfth centuries and continued to flourish in Old French.

The work in question stands out for its vivid and insightful portrayal of King John's reign, particularly the tumultuous era characterized by baronial resistance, the Magna Carta, the ensuing civil war, and the nearly successful invasion of England by Louis, the rightful heir to the kingdom of France. Flanders played a pivotal role in this conflict, providing troops to both sides, and this Flemish author delved into these events with remarkable detail, offering a unique perspective from the Flemish perspective, rather than the French or English. While it is possible that the author himself may have been an eyewitness to these events, or even directly involved in the fighting, it is equally likely that he had intimate knowledge of many individuals who had valiantly fought and lost their lives in this tumultuous period.

Janet Shirley's masterful translation of this chronicle, making it the first into English, presents the work of the Anonymous of Béthune to a fresh and eager audience in this captivating volume. Accompanied by an insightful introduction and comprehensive historical notes by Paul Webster, this translation ensures that readers are fully immersed in the rich tapestry of history, allowing them to appreciate the timeless insights and narratives of this anonymous author.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367693909