Gervase of Tilbury: Otia Imperialia

a massive work of fine scholarship * A. D. Carr, Folk Life *
S.E. Banks and J.W. Binns, with their bilingual edition, broad introduction, and excellent commentary, have fulfilled a demand long put forward in scholarship. This new edition does justice to Gervais of Tilbury, one of the intellectuals who was most well-read, versatile and open to the world at the turn of the twelfth century; without a doubt it will facilitate further research on this unusual personality and his very interesting work. ... eminently readable ... As a guide to the world view of an educated and well-travelled man of affairs at the beginning of the thirteenth century, this is a fascinating piece ... Whether it cheered up the Emperor Otto is not recorded, but it should certainly prove highly entertaining for any modern medievalist. * Medium Aevum *
Not only have the editors provided a wholly readable translation, but also the annotation is extremely full and helpful, including a wide-ranging modern bibliography. * English Historical Review *
Post-Classical Latin is now the great lost literature of Europe. Editions like this one bring it back to life. * Tom Shippey, Times Literary Supplement *
... a complete and reliable text and translation. * Tom Shippey, Times Literary Supplement *