King Arthur’s Country by F J Snell.
J M Dent & Sons / E P Dutton & Co, 1926.
Frederick John Snell (1862–1935) – a scholar and historian specialising in ancient English customs and traditions – wrote several popular guides, including this gazetteer or guide to Arthurian topographical sites in Britain and in Brittany.
In its preface he claims “no new, original or revolutionary opinion on the question of Arthur’s historical achievements or the field in which they were effected, nor is any attempt made to reconcile antagonistic theories or conflicting traditions.”
While citing popular and academic titles which listed putative Arthurian sites in Cornwall, Scotland, Wales and elsewhere, he’s neither indiscriminate nor uncritical in his choice of entries, but nor is he totally dismissive of colourful legendary connections. According to modern scholarship we may question some of his easy assertions but, given that this was published a century ago, we may I think allow him a degree of leeway without being overly censorious.
Continue reading “A guide to Arthurian topography”
Pendragonry 