The book provides a unique glimpse into England during the reign of Henry VIII through John Leland's firsthand accounts of various locations, including towns, castles, and monasteries. Despite Leland's descent into madness, his notes, though disorganized, capture the essence of the era. The modern English version by John Chandler organizes these accounts by historic counties and includes maps and a revised introduction. This new edition enhances the text with additional material on Leland's travels in Wales and establishes a reliable chronology of his journeys, making this rich historical resource accessible to contemporary readers.
John Leland Books
John Leland was an English poet and antiquary, widely recognized as the father of English local history and bibliography. His seminal work offered a unique wellspring of observations and raw materials, profoundly influencing subsequent antiquaries. He innovatively introduced the county as the fundamental unit for studying England's local history, a concept that has left an enduring legacy on historical research.
