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The Anglo-Saxons

A History of the Beginnings of England

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The Anglo-Saxons

By: Marc Morris
Narrated by: Roy McMillan
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Sixteen hundred years ago, Britain left the Roman Empire and swiftly fell into ruin. Grand cities and luxurious villas were deserted and left to crumble, and civil society collapsed into chaos. Into this violent and unstable world came foreign invaders from across the sea and established themselves as its new masters.

The Anglo-Saxons traces the turbulent history of these people across the next six centuries. It explains how their earliest rulers fought relentlessly against each other for glory and supremacy and then were almost destroyed by the onslaught of the Vikings. It explores how they abandoned their old gods for Christianity, established hundreds of churches and created dazzlingly intricate works of art. It charts the revival of towns and trade, and the origins of a familiar landscape of shires, boroughs and bishoprics. It is a tale of famous figures like King Offa, Alfred the Great and Edward the Confessor, but also features a host of lesser-known characters - ambitious queens, revolutionary saints, intolerant monks and grasping nobles. Through their remarkable careers, we see how a new society, a new culture and a single unified nation came into being.

Drawing on a vast range of original evidence - chronicles, letters, archaeology and artefacts - renowned historian Marc Morris illuminates a period of history that is only dimly understood, separates the truth from the legend and tells the extraordinary story of how the foundations of England were laid.

©2021 Marc Morris (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Europe Great Britain England Royalty Viking King

Critic Reviews

"A rich trove of ancient wonders." (Ian Mortimer)

"An absolute masterpiece." (Dan Snow)

What listeners say about The Anglo-Saxons

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A good listen

Interesting historical content, well written and well spoken. I learned a lot and had fun doing it!

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Interesting and informative

This is a well researched and informative book. The narrative made for pleasant and easy listening.

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A great book - enjoyed all of the battles

Loved it. Slowed the speed down and it was easier to listen to. Great for anyone who loves history.

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another great book

an other excellent book, read engagingly. Great for anyone interested in history. worth the time

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Great approach to this era

Book was comprehensive and covered detail in an engaging way. Highly recommend if you have an interest in English history.

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Brilliantly researched and written

I loved this book but so much to take in on the first listen so will be reading again and again as its fascinating history

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2 people found this helpful

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Filled many gaps

I’ve always been curious about English heritage but found existing books dreary.
This rendition paints great scenes in the mind which are comprehensible and remain clear.
I really think the current northern European peoples should repay the plunder they stole at sword point !

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A good outline of Anglo-Saxon history

Well written, with a good flow. A great audio book for understanding the Anglo-Saxon section of English history.

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I love history

I recently finished reading The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England by Mark Morris, and I found it to be an incredibly informative and detailed account of this crucial period in English history. The book provides a thorough background on the Anglo-Saxons and the formative events that shaped England, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the early medieval period.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of the spirit of adventure and conquest, particularly by the Vikings, who played a significant role during this time. Morris does an excellent job of capturing how this drive for exploration and settlement laid the groundwork for the later developments, including the legacy of England that followed the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

What makes this book even more compelling is the depth of information it offers. It is the kind of book that you might need to read more than once to fully grasp all the nuances and details that Morris presents. This richness of content is what makes The Anglo-Saxons not just a history book, but a vital piece of work that connects the dots between the past and the enduring legacy of England.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period. Whether you are new to the topic or a seasoned history buff, there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from these pages.

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