In the Land of Giants: Journeys Through the Dark Ages by Max Adams

After years of studying history though documents, archaeology and artefacts, this book really went to the heart of what history means to me. Perhaps this is more a book of historians bringing history into the modern world, connecting with the past in a physical way, than another secondary source of information. This is how I like to experience history.

Adams looks at the landscape of significant Dark Ages sites, as they are today. He does this by means of ten journeys, mostly taken on foot, across the four countries of Britain with a coastal boat ride for good measure. He walks along Hadrian's Wall and other routes include York to Whitby, Anglesey to Bardsley Island, London to Sutton Hoo and Telford to Wrexham. He takes in the history of the people, the topography, churches and other ruins.  There are photographs of architecture, coastlines, forests, ancient monuments and signposts, clearly marked out maps and they all follow Adams' journey chronologically.

It is a well organised book with each walk taking up a discrete chapter. The writing is personal and chatty making the book partly memoir and travelogue with heavy doses of history and folklore. Good to refer to as a reference if you want to take on the route yourself.

​This is my favourite period and I know it very well. However, for the uninitiated this book may be confusing or even dull, so I recommend it for those who know something of the Dark Ages already before taking on this chunky book.  A fascinating and absorbing read, very informative but more importantly it serves as a reminder that history is everywhere we look.

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Published by Head of Zeus on 14 July 2016.

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