The History of Britain Revealed
M J Harper Icon Books, 200pp, £9.99
ISBN 184046769X
M J Harper is an angry man, and right now it's the academic establishment that's annoying him. In what his publisher describes as "gloriously corrosive prose" (which means he swears quite a bit), Harper sets out to prove that most early British history is nonsense, particularly as it relates to our language. He argues that, contrary to the cherished national myths of the English, the Anglo-Saxons played no major role in England's history. He also suggests that most entries in the OED are wrong, that the whole of British place-name theory is misconceived, that Middle English was created by academics and that we should stop inflicting Beowulf on hapless students.
Unusual, funny and provocative, Harper wears his learning lightly, but has a serious point to make. While admitting that his own theories about the early Brits "may or may not be acceptable", he warns that historical anomalies are routinely ignored by the academics we rely on to explain our past. Whatever your stance on the Anglo-Saxons (and Harper's suggestions are rather seductive), this fascinating book is a useful investigation into the ways in which history is constructed and the dangers of "unassailable" academic truths.
Post this article to
We want to encourage people to comment on our content and to exchange views with other readers and hope this will be done on a courteous basis. However, if you encounter posts which are offensive please let us know by emailing comments@newstatesman.co.uk and we will take swift action where necessary.
