Criminally bad
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There is hardly any need to repeat the factual errors and major methodological problems in this book, many of which have been detailed by other reviewers. Suffice it to say the reader would have to be utterly ignorant about the history and archaeology of post-Roman Britain, not to mention Welsh language and linguistics, to believe almost anything claimed in this book.
It is so bad, I was left doubting the very existence of a place called "Wales". ;)
On the other hand, if you're a new age conspiracy freak who is easily impressed by ignorant (possibly manipulative?) authors throwing around references to obscure-sounding manuscripts and pretending they know languages they don't -- well, then you'll probably get quite a kick out of this. ;) But don't say you weren't warned!
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Quite, Quite Bizarre!
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I am rarely inspired to take the time to write a review, however this is quite the most rediculous book I have ever had the misfortune to read.
Our two heroes would have us believe that the entire British archeological fraternity are in some sort of evil gang, intent on suppressing their findings in an effort to preserve the accepted norm. This is portrayed as being anti-Welsh, until Welsh archeological society also come in for a bashing for not taking them seriously, too. Hmm, lets look at why this might be, shall we?
To begin with, they assert that Britain was originally peopled by the fleeing Trojans. Yes, that's right, the race of the Britons was founded by the Trojans. (When this was suggested to a museum curator in London, the curator is chided for "sniggering" at this suggestion. I'm not joking, by the way!)
Then, we are told that this race of people agreed to let the Romans enter Britain provided that they adhered to the civilised lifestyles of the Britons. Britain was never really part of the Roman Empire anyway, apparently!
Then we are told that Joseph of Arimathea (who was married to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by the way!) came to Wales and saw to it that a blood line, including, of course, the Holy Blood (hence "Holy Kingdom", I assume) became the British Royal Family. (I know, there was no "British" Royal family until the Act of Union between Scotland and England, but don't let that worry you.)
What next... oh, yes. The Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified? That's in a cave in Wales. Apparently they mentioned this to archeological society, however no-one was interested. Well, why would they be? The cross on which our Lord and Saviour was crucified, here in the UK? Who would care about that? (Oh, apparently the church is involved in this cover-up, concerned what would happen if the truth became known!)
Oh, I nearly forgot. King Arthur? Well, there were two. One called Arthur (well, not quite Arthur, but close enough.) And a second not called Arthur at all, although apparently he was really. All this is explained matter-of-factly, as these ancient Welsh documents, listing various Kings, are readily available to be viewed in a document called the Llandaff Charters, now in the National Library of Wales. The fact that many, many, many notable, learned (and, presumably, dishonest!) historians have read these documents in detail and, to a man and woman, have made no mention, whatsoever, of 2 King Arthur's appearing in the texts, doesn't discourage our heroes in the slightest!
The site of the one, historically attested to event in the time of Arthur, the Battle of Mount Badon? Well, Mount Badon in South Wales, of course, where else? (The fact that no archeological evidence of Saxon settlement evenly remotely close to this area, within 100 years of the battle, has ever been found doesn't persuade them otherwise. I'm guessing that they think the Saxons pitched-up, having decided to cover, what? 130 miles across enemy territory for a huge scrap, without having been challenged once on the way.)
I really wanted to warm to this book - I did, honestly! However, even Adrian Gilbert's sycophantic commentary becomes annoying after a while. He really does appear to have been taken in by these two characters and clearly believes everything they have told him. The problem is, take a step back and consider that their entire argument is based upon accepting that "the establishment" is trying to cover all of this up, for the sake of protecting reputations and, we learn at the end (yes, I read it all!) big business, and you realise that this is, under all the Arthurian gloss, just your average "conspiracy" book. And, more than anything else, this is why I was so disappointed.
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Brilliant!
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This book is great. It looks at unseen Welsh records, rather than just English records, which give a great insight to the facts surronding King Arthur(s). A must for anyone into history!
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The only book on hte subject worth buying!
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This US version of the 1999 classic provides some new information and continues to show just how correct Wilson and Blackett are. There is no speculation or fake "Celtic" folklore here - just plain fact based upon original and ancient British manuscripts written in Welsh and Latin. Wilson and Blackett prove beyond doubt the existence of an early Christian church in Wales that predates the arrival of St. Augustine, the true location of Mount Baedan (Mynydd Baedan), Camelot (Caer Melyn, "the yellow fort"), the reality of TWO King Arthurs, thus solving the old historical conundrum, and a great deal more. This is the only book on the Arthurs that enables you to access every manuscript, visit every site and touch every stone and artefact. The Holy Kingdom is the most important book on ancient British history ever published and I strongly urge you to break though the tissue of lies that surrounds modern Arthuriana and overdose on the truth! Go out and buy it - make history, not excuses!
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This book filled in the gaps
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I first read this book out of interest, then i read it again as the information sank in, the authors fill in the background history as well as investigate the truth of King Arthur, there are some very startling conclusions...
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