Lost Realms

So much information from this time period has been lost. There are so many times we have to say “maybe” or “perhaps” but that doesn't make anything in this book less compelling. If anything, it makes it even more interesting.

This book focuses on the “Lost realms” of Britain, those that we know less of, smaller kingdoms that came and went alongside more well-known places that tend to hog the limelight due to the fact we know way more about them and that they were larger and longer established (think the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Mercia, Northumbria and Wessex). My personal favourite to read about was Elmed, located in what is now West and South Yorkshire, because I'm familiar with the area! The chapter on the Picts was also well done.

This book is great if you have an interest in this subject. It supposes an understanding of post-Roman Empire Britain and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms from the reader. If you have that, then read away!