been away for a while, and in the mean time have read a couple of really good books that i want to recommend to the digest. first is one i'm probably way behind most of you with - Njal's Saga. i can't say too much about it - wicked. i've never read any of the icelandic sagas before, now i'm hooked - it's like Neighbours with axes.
the second is The Last English King by Julian Rathbone, told from the perspective of Walt, one of King Harold's housecarls. Rathbone tells a wonderful story, and gives it a vivid context in the socio-political system of the English Kingdom. very funny, too.
while i'm at it, actually, there are two books by John James that are well worth mentioning - Votan, & Not For All The Gold In Ireland - both the misadventures of Photinus, a Greek merchant priest of Apollo, firstly in northern Germany, secondly in Britain, during the later Roman Empire. James is very good at suggesting how myths came to be, and weaving their origins into the adventures of his hero. again, very funny. they were written in the '60's, though, and are probably out of print now. if you are lucky enough to see them, buy them.
er. that's it.
cheers,
guy
Guy Jobbins
Centre for Urban and Regional Studies
School of Public Policy
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK
Tel: 0121 440 3306 (home), 0121 414 7387 (work) email gej865_at_spp2.bham.ac.uk
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