William of Malmesbury: Gesta Pontificum Anglorum, The History of the English Bishops: Volume II: Introduction and Commentary

Gesta Pontificum Anglorum (History of the English Bishops) is one of the most important medieval texts written c. 1125 by one of England's key historians of the period, William, Monk of Malmesbury. It is a is a vivid narrative on the English Church, its bishoprics and monasteries, from c.600 to William's contemporary era. Conceived as a companion piece to his Gesta Regum Anglorum, this historical work was a unique enterprise, and the result is a substantial book, elegantly written, full of original information, and characterized by intelligent interpretation and judgement. This second volume by R. M. Thomson contains an introduction and detailed commentary to accompany the Latin text and translation of the work, appearing in Volume I. The introduction presents and analyzes the reasons behind the work - its structure, its main sources and programme of research, and its influence and significance. The commentary, linked to the Latin text, discusses problems and questions revealed by the work, and illustrations appear throughout.