Mercia: A Captivating Guide to an Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of England and the Invasions of the Vikings during the 9th Century (Exploring England's Past)

We often regard such common facets of modern life as "The Lord of the Rings" and even the English language as givens. Where did these developments originate? Captivating History answers these questions and more in "Mercia" by examining the titular medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Despite occasional confusion with historical sources, this book offers an exciting study.This author argues that Mercia, after it ended circa 918 C.E., has since helped shape English-speaking life. Numerous examples are provided to support this claim, including "Beowolf," J.R.R. Tolkien, and the English language. Other positions leading to the conclusion, however, are perplexing at best because they are based, as other reviewers have commented, largely both on suppositions and speculation. Readers will encounter one suggestion, only to find Captivating History to question its own words by explaining that insufficient historical evidence exists. King Æthelbald of Mercia, for instance, is discussed in relation to his non-existent marital life: "[Æ]thelbalds failure to marry might have been the result of complex politics in the Mercian Court, but there is no evidence to confirm such a belief" (Loc 593-594). Regardless, this author does acknowledge when evidence (or lack thereof), theory, or debate prevents precise historical confirmation of this content.Captivating History organizes this text chronologically, as usual, to paint for readers an expansive picture of this topic. It also utilizes various maps and illustrations from this time to enhance this reading experience, all of which are cited. A bibliography is present, too. The lack of footnotes, however, is detrimental. For historical period as questioned as Mercia, proper evidence is crucial not only for scholarly work but also for clarification on points both of confusion and contention, and these moments are common here. Even if these notes were to reiterate what this author has written about this kindgom's abundance of postulation, their inclusion would demonstrate a true lack of evidence.This text is great for the common history enthusiast, as it explains a wide array of pertinent information in an engaging, accessible manner. Readers seeking more answers to Mercia's English influence, however, may want more confirmation where possible. Still, Captivating History exceeds all expectations of the typical hour-long historical read by transforming facts into inviting literature. With footnotes that allow fastidious readers to confirm both the lack of evidence and rational for accepting dominant historical theories surrounding this medieval kingdom, it may become the best available brief study on this area.

Perhaps as little as five years ago I had never heard of Mercia or any of the other old kingdoms of central & northern England. Since then, I"ve read perhsps 4 other books on this part of English history, and was happy to see this one focusing on Mercia. It did not disappoint. I particularly appreciated the timeline, maps, and the dynasty tree covering Penda's clan. I would have loved to see more maps within the chapters illustrating the towns mentioned and the actions taking place. More family trees would also be nice.

A pleasant, informative read. If you are interested in English history between the going of the Romans and the coming of the Normans, this is not a bad place to start. Informative without being overwhelming, this book sheds light on an important early Anglo-Saxon kingdom whose influence on the formation of the country that became England is relatively unknown. Filled with names and places, it's a great starter book to launch deeper investigation, or a nice overview/refresher for the more experienced scholar.

My title pretty much says it all. I don't know if the history is accurate, but to describe this book as a "captivating guide" is marketing at its evil worst- outright lying. I'll quote a random section and let you be the judge."Stephen of Ripon, in his Life of St. Wilifrid, a text from the 8th century, reports that Ecgfrith not only defeated Wulfhere but that he also forced him to surrender the lesser Kingdom of Lindsey and pay tribute to Northumbria. However, Bede doesn't mention these events at all, nor does the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Wulfhere survived the battle against Ecgfrith, but he died a year later in 675, probably of disease, according to Henry of Huntington." And it goes on, and on, and on, ad infinitum. Name after name (with no pronunciation guide anywhere), the briefest of mentions of many people, and repeatedly pointing out conflicting sources, most of which no one but an academician has heard of. I tried to force my way through it, but it was so horribly dry and boring that it served no purpose and I gave up about 1/3 of the way through. I will AVOID any books by by this company that touts them as "captivating history."

Thoroughly enjoyed this well-written book. It covers a period of history, the early middle ages in Great Britain after the Roman occupation, for which little is known or has been written about. I was impressed with the amount of knowledge about this long ago time, pulled from an array of sources and presented in an easy to read book.

Very engaging, although at times a bit dense with details, this helped me understand the history of the foundation of England, and how the Vikings became integrated into that land, and why.

An interesting and informative read about a time in England that is not talked about much.

Excellent presentation of thoroughly researched documents and the narration style makes the elements of speculation and inferences very plausible and provides food for thought.

Probably the best account of Mercia, the Middle English kingdom, 500 to 1000 AD, that I’ve read, a thorough account though acknowledging the scarcity of source material

perfect, nice literature, I recommend it to everyone.

OK, but glosses over much. I had to research elsewhere for details of, for instance, the battles of Tettenhall & Derby.I wasn't expecting a full account of Mercia given its longevity and geographical spread, but I should have looked at the detailed description of number of pages, etc and would probably have looked around for a more comprehensive book.PS: Page 55 - "Albert the Great". Really?