Gesta Normannorum Ducum facts for kids
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum (which means Deeds of the Norman Dukes) is a very old history book. It was first written by a monk named William of Jumièges around the year 1060. This book tells the story of the Norman dukes.
In 1070, William the Conqueror asked William of Jumièges to add more to the book. He wanted it to explain his right to become king of England. Later, two other historians, Orderic Vitalis (who died around 1142) and Robert of Torigni (who died in 1186), added even more. They continued the story up to the time of King Henry I.
Contents
What is the Gesta Normannorum Ducum?
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum by William of Jumièges became a very important book about Norman history. Many books were written to celebrate the Norman Conquest of England. But William's book was special because it started earlier, in the late 1050s. It was meant to continue the story from another old book called De moribus by Dudo.
How the Book Grew Over Time
William the monk went back to writing his book after the Norman Conquest. He probably did this because William the Conqueror asked him to. The final version of his history was finished at his monastery in Jumièges around 1070 or 1071.
During the 1100s, other writers added parts to the book. First, Orderic Vitalis made some additions. Then, Robert of Torigni added a whole new section about King Henry I.
Why Was This Book So Important?
In the Middle Ages, William's book was read by many people. It was a key book in most monasteries. It was also the main source for other famous histories by Wace and Benoît de Sainte-Maure. Today, we still have 47 copies of William's Gesta Normannorum Ducum.
Modern Translations of the Gesta
A scholar named Jules Lair started a modern translation of the book. Sadly, he passed away before finishing it. M. Jean Marx, a French scholar, completed the work. He published his translation in 1914.
What Was Added Later?
The original book ended with the Harrying of the North by William the Conqueror in 1070. However, one part of the book mentions Robert Curthose as a duke. This part seems to have been added after 1087. It's not clear who wrote this extra bit, as it doesn't match William's usual writing style. But Marx included it in his translation, thinking it was by the original author.
The newest and most complete translations were put together by Elisabeth M.C. van Houts. They were published in two parts by Clarendon Press, Oxford. Volume I came out in 1992, and Volume II in 1995.
See also
- Draco Normannicus
- Duchy of Normandy
- Wace's Roman de Rou
Edition
- The Gesta Normannorum Ducum of William of Jumièges, Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni. Edited and translated by Elisabeth M. C. Van Houts, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1995.
