WILLIAM Malmesbury (William of Malmesbury)

(ca. 1090-1143)
On the origin of William is only known that in his veins, and Norman and English blood. Major works of William - Acts of the English kings, New History (Gesta regum Anglorum, Historia novella), as well as the Acts of the pontiffs (Gesta pontificum). Gesta regum in five books contains the story of the King of England from the era of Roman rule until 1127. It demonstrates a scholarship and literary merit of the author, her amusing anecdotes enliven. Similarly, the life of Bishops tells Gesta Pontificum. Nevertheless, from a strictly historical point of view, the most important work is William Historia novella in three books - as a continuation of Gesta regum. Here it concerns events that occurred during his life, describing them year after year on the basis of reliable sources. Main theme - a long and devastating civil war between Stephen, . Count of Blois, . who was elected king after the death of Henry I, . and daughter of the late King Matilda - the first wife of Emperor Henry V; later in the war sucked Count Geoffrey of Anjou, . to make its claim to the throne,
. William justifies Matilda (Robert, Earl of Gloucester, her illegitimate brother and the supreme commander, encouraged the chronicler), but for the most part still shows the integrity and impartiality. Unfortunately, his chronicle ends in 1142.