Early Medieval Britain, c. 500–1000

Early medieval Britain saw the birth of England, Scotland and of the Welsh kingdoms. Naismith's introductory textbook explores the period between the end of Roman rule and the eve of the Norman Conquest, blending an engaging narrative with clear explanations of key themes and sources. Using extensive illustrations, maps and selections from primary sources, students will examine the island as a collective entity, comparing political histories and institutions as well as societies, beliefs and economies. Each chapter foregrounds questions of identity and the meaning of 'Britain' in this period, encouraging interrogation and contextualisation of sources within the framework of the latest debates and problems. Featuring online resources including timelines, a glossary, end-of-chapter questions and suggestions for further reading, students can drive their own understanding of how the polities and societies of early medieval Britain fitted together and into the wider world, and firmly grasp the formative stages of British history.

'Rory Naismith adopts a refreshingly new approach to the study of early medieval Britain, which takes into account its political and cultural plurality, while also placing it in a wider European context. Comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date with the most recent historiographical developments, it will easily become a classic.' Francesca Tinti, University of the Basque Country, 'Up-to-date and judiciously argued, Rory Naismith's book with its excellent illustrations, text boxes addressing detailed evidence, timelines and discussion points is an ideal teaching tool. Covering the whole of Britain, sensible to internal differences and divisions, and attentive to the local and particular alongside major developments, this is also an important new history of these early centuries.' Pauline Stafford, University of Liverpool, 'This timely and refreshing textbook will challenge students' assumptions about 'Dark-Age' Britain. Eschewing the well-worn narratives that search for the national origins of England, Scotland and Wales, Rory Naismith makes a compelling case for adopting a much more holistic approach to the study of British history and taking the early medieval period on its own terms.' Edward Roberts, University of Kent, 'Students and scholars have been crying out for a well-informed and enticing history of early medieval Britain, which treats the whole island rather than selected parts of it. Rory Naismith has given us precisely that. He has also produced a significant work of scholarship, for this is a wonderfully rich book, which is written with confident command of a diverse array of sources and contains many new insights as well as a lucid survey. Anyone reading it should emerge not only confidently equipped but also inspired to explore the period further.' Stephen Baxter, University of Oxford

Rory Naismith has published extensively on early medieval history, including Money and Power in Anglo-Saxon England: the Southern English Kingdoms 757–865 (2012), Medieval European Coinage 8: Britain and Ireland c. 400–1066 (2017) and Citadel of the Saxons: the Rise of Early London (2018).