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Gildas' 'On the Ruin of Britain' is a seminal work of early British literature that offers a scathing critique of the moral decay and political turmoil plaguing post-Roman Britain. Written in the form of a jeremiad, the text presents a stark depiction of a society in decline, rife with corruption and injustice. Gildas' literary style is characterized by its uncompromising tone and vivid imagery, drawing on biblical and classical sources to underscore the gravity of the situation. This work is considered one of the primary sources for understanding the period following the Roman withdrawal from…mehr

Produktbeschreibung
Gildas' 'On the Ruin of Britain' is a seminal work of early British literature that offers a scathing critique of the moral decay and political turmoil plaguing post-Roman Britain. Written in the form of a jeremiad, the text presents a stark depiction of a society in decline, rife with corruption and injustice. Gildas' literary style is characterized by its uncompromising tone and vivid imagery, drawing on biblical and classical sources to underscore the gravity of the situation. This work is considered one of the primary sources for understanding the period following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Gildas' poignant commentary serves as a cautionary tale for future generations, highlighting the consequences of societal breakdown. The author's background as a monk and historian likely informed his perspective, lending credibility to his observations and convictions. 'On the Ruin of Britain' is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, literature, and ethics, offering valuable insights into a pivotal moment in British history.
Autorenporträt
Gildas, a monastic figure of the 6th-century revered for his piety and scholarship, stands as a singular beacon of British history during the tumultuous period following Roman withdrawal from Britain. His seminal work, 'De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae' (On the Ruin of Britain), provides an invaluable narrative of the moral decline and political turmoil that beset the island during his lifetime. Although exact details about his life remain elusive, Gildas is thought to have been born in the very late 5th century, possibly in what is now Scotland. He is traditionally associated with the British church and is considered to have written his treatise in the first half of the sixth century, as it references events up to around 560. His work, lamenting the decadence of rulers and clergy alike, is part exposé, part jeremiad, marked by a plaintive and austere rhetorical style that reflects his monastic leanings. 'On the Ruin of Britain' is preserved in three parts: a preamble, a condemnation of British kings, and a denunciation of the British clergy. Gildas's influence endured, with his text serving as a source for later medieval writers, and it remains a cornerstone for historians grappling with the Dark Ages in Britain. A figure shrouded more in legend than in fact, his very life is as compelling as the ominous literary legacy he has bequeathed to the annals of British historiography.