2007-12-15 A fascinating and entertaining read!

Gerald of Wales was Archdeacon of Brecon in the 12th century and along with Archbishop Baldwin he travelled around Wales to drum up support for the Third Crusade. This book was supposed to record the day-to-day events of the mission but Gerald was a bit of a raconteur, he also wrote about everything else that caught his eye. He knew everyone who was anyone in the 12th century and wrote about them all, sometimes with quite a bit of venom! He aspired to be Bishop of St David's (a role he'd never get) and would often write snide remarks about the man who did get the job. He also wrote about local legends that he'd heard, mythical creatures, saintly relics, described beautifully the landscapes and people that he met along the way. He writes with wit and humour throughout the book which makes it a delight to read. This book is a fascinating study of life in Wales in the 12th century written almost in the style of a travel diary. This book will appeal to both scholars and anyone with just a passing interest in history.