William of Malmesbury: Gesta Pontificum Anglorum, The History of the English Bishops

William of Malmesbury: Gesta Pontificum Anglorum, The History of the English Bishops Synopsis

Gesta Pontificum Anglorum (The History of the English Bishops) is a modern edition of 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, and the edition features the original Latin text of the manuscript with the English translation alongside. 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. The first four books of the text, treat each diocese in turn, and the fifth book is devoted to the history of William's own monastery. A second volume by R. M. Thomson will contain an introduction and detailed commentary on the work.