Finding Emma

This is a brilliant book which can be enjoyed either as a romp through early British history or a fascinating exploration of forensic osteoarchaeology. Either way, the book is the audio equivalent of a real page-turner.

I have visited Winchester many times yet, I think, failed to fully appreciate the crucial role the city played in our national story. I've always loved the cathedral but after reading this book it has gained a new significance for me and I plan to visit it again soon, armed with new knowledge and enthusiasm.

And Emma of Normandy has become a new hero for me after reading Cat's account of her life and times - what a woman! Maybe she rests in Winchester Cathedral, maybe she doesn't, but I will make a special point of paying my respects on my next visit!

Content warning regarding Cat's discussion of the origins of Cnut's name by the way!

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7 people found this helpful

fascinating

I have wondered about the contents of the bone chests for decades. especially since a visit in the 1980s.
this book explains early medieval English history in a way that is enjoyable and very informative.

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2 people found this helpful

An excellent piece of well researched history.

This book certainly increased my knowledge of a period that so many historians and TV shows avoid.

The excuse is that there is very little written material available surviving from time between the Romans leaving and the Norman's arriving but Cat Jarman certainly found enough to be able to educate and entertain me from start to finish.

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Professor Jarman’s clear explanation of the Anglo Saxon, Danish and Norman succession with their intertwined relationships

This is a fascinating account well written and performed.
I would have preferred a greater tilt to the forensic analysis of the bones and a little less on the general Anglo Saxon history beyond the immediate relevance, for example, the interesting snippet about the pelvic bone possibly belonging to Aethelflaed showing changes due to long experience of horse riding gives a suddenly vivid picture of that most remarkable woman. But exactly what were these changes, what level of exposure to riding will create these changes, do these, or other bones show other revealing tales as they must of their owners’ lives. These details give a clue to why these remains interest us so much revealing surprising information about the lives of our predecessors in unexpected ways due to the skills of Professor Jarman and her colleagues.There is nothing morbid in this any more than visiting an ancient parish church or a battlefield site however much altered, something remains to give us closeness to a people only separated from us by a wisp of time.on that point I would disagree with Professor Jarman when she refers to her subjects as “ a little like us” , These people were every bit as intelligent as are we and if magically transported to our times would adapt, fascinated by our technology, probably disgusted by our huge sprawling slum like cities notwithstanding the few impressive (mainly perhaps medieval buildings ? )to relieve the mediocrity, and repulsed by the degraded rural relics of Britain.
I was particularly pleased that throughout her account Professor Jarman did not seek to impose her social and political views upon what is presumably an educated sophisticated audience perfectly capable of selecting its own worldview without receiving a sermon……….unfortunately the epilogue contained the social lecture….
There must be a basement room in each publishing house containing a table, a chair and a bare light bulb where the author is brought to ensure the purity of their social views in the presence of the Inquisition. If inadequate weight is given to this during the bulk of the text then presumably the author, having been shown the instruments of torture, is encouraged to append a confession or apologia. I think this happened to Professor Jarman on her denunciation of Rule Britannia and its “infamous lyrics”. What infamous lyrics? Have you read them there are no “infamous lyrics” in or out of context. It’s a jolly bombastic anachronistic song with a great refrain all about resisting tyranny, nothing else, and if certain political groups want to project their own propaganda aims onto it that should be resisted, one would be just as entitled to accuse those singing the joyless dirge of the “Red Flag” of plotting judicial murder and torture, starvation and population displacement of millions for the greater good, as it were.of millions when at worst most will be concerned about marginal rates of tax and lunch ( it is very long, tedious and more than a little weird).
All nationalist anthems and songs are anachronistic and lyrics usually cringey, The Marseillaise frankly requires the administration of a powerful antipsychotic drug, Flower of Scotland made a big impact but is an increasing source of concern to many Scots not least as it dies a little more with every rendition so now befits a funeral, rather than a national occasion, the Irish National anthem likewise, tune is ok for first few lines but slowly proceeds towards its tedious conclusion as the composer’s transient inspiration staggers to , well, nothing. The finest of anthems belongs to Wales, but it’s fortunate that sung in Welsh its lyrics are not generally understood…hint , don’t trouble yourself. The point is that the lyrics serve two purposes . One is to give a communal expression, the other is to find a way of adding the human voice as a musical instrument and that is it.
To come back to “RuleBritannia”. Try this. Instead of “Britannia” put,say, “Italia” and instead of ‘Britons” put “Italians”.
Interesting isn’t it, I leave you to draw your own conclusions

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17 people found this helpful

Simply brilliant!

A wonderful book, everything I hoped it would be. Cat is a great narrator, the subject is fascinating, and over all too soon! It makes me want to visit Winchester to see the mortuary chests in person.

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2 people found this helpful

A real insight into our ancient past.

I enjoyed the content so much but the pronunciation of some of the words were hard to understand. I tried listening at a slower pace (number 7) but that makes you realise how many other words are a bit slurred. Shame because otherwise I’d give it 10 out of 10 for brilliance!

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4 people found this helpful

Excellent superb account of re Norman history

Just great nicely done and spokena very technical subject. It also roams through the early centuries of post Roman Britain with ease

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2 people found this helpful

Very interesting!!

The content is fascinating and well written! The author who also reads her own book does have a slight lisp though which annoyed me a bit (but that is personal preference of course).

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5 people found this helpful

Up-to-date examination of Archaeogenetics

Great exploration of up to date archaeological and ancient DNA evidence relating to the early kings of England

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1 person found this helpful

Marvellous

So little is written about pre-1066 England - and even less in an easily accessible format. This one fits the bill - excellent.

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