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Embark on a captivating journey through the golden era of Mercia, the Anglo-Saxon kingdom that once dominated central England. This masterful account breathes life into the oft-overlooked eighth century, a pivotal period sandwiched between Bede's passing and Alfred's ascendancy. Before Wessex rose to prominence, Mercia stood as the beating heart of a nascent English state, pioneering centralised political authority unseen since Roman times.
Max Adams, in his latest exploration of Early Medieval Britain, deftly weaves together the threads of landscape, politics, and society. He illuminates how Mercia's influence extended far beyond its borders, fostering trade networks, forging continental connections, and laying the groundwork for a unified defence system later perfected by Alfred the Great.
At the centre of this gripping narrative stand two formidable monarchs: Æthelbald (716-757) and Offa (757-796). Under their reigns, monasteries burgeoned into hubs of royal patronage and economic vitality. Offa's ambitious Dyke along the Welsh frontier and his coin-minting prowess speak volumes of Mercia's growing might. Yet, perhaps their most enduring legacy was the shaping of medieval England's geography and the complex interplay between crown, land, and church—tensions that would dramatically unfold as the Viking Age dawned.
The Mercian Chronicles offers a brilliant reconnection of the worlds of Oswald, Bede, and Alfred, presenting a fascinating century that birthed the Anglo-Saxon state. Adams' meticulous research and engaging prose bring this neglected era vividly to life, making it an essential read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Book ISBN: | 9781838933258 |
Book Author: | Max Adams |
Book Format: | Hardback |
Book Imprint: | Apollo |
Book Publisher: | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
Book Dimensions: | 240 x 164 x 42 cm |
Book Publication Date: | 2025-02-13 |
Book Pagination: | 464 pages, 6 Maps |
Book Weight: | 690g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’