Studies in the Early British Church

Studies in the Early History of Britain

by Nora Kershaw Chadwick (Editor), Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson (Contributor)

An important book.

374 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Nora Kershaw Chadwick, CBE, FSA, FBA, married to Hector Munro Chadwick, published widely on the Celts and Oral Literature.

Reviews

[Flint Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora Chadwick was a product of World War I in several regards. She completed her Bachelor's degree on the eve of the war, and then went for her advanced degree after it was finished, eventually marrying her supervisor the great Hector Chadwick. This is only of interest because it outlines a large hole in her education; she inherited the knowledge base and perhaps even the understanding of her husband but because of the nature of their relationship she never did become a precise academic writer.

This had its upsides. She was the most free-thinking scholar of her generation, which is why the tangled history of the 'Historia Brittonum' began to unravel with her (in this book). Because of her reputation, she was also able to generate public interest. This resulted in several general Celtic histories, but it also meant that she was able to surround herself with the highest level of scholars. This book was the product of her unorthodox education. Her section meanders, but has some points in it that are still significant. And every one of those famous names that are listed in the Table of Contents wrote something that was worth reading at the time. Everything but Chadwick's chapter has been surpassed now, but the book itself is a foundation for any understanding of Early British history.