Invented and Manufactured History
Raymond H. Thompson
Invented and Manufactured History Raymond H. Thompson In 1138, at the height of Mediaeval period less than seventy-five years after William Conqueror led his Norman barons into Britain, an imaginative Welshman, Geoffrey Monmouth, completed a detailed account (in Latin, course) entitled The Kings Britain. it he gave British people apocryphal, proud, noble Trojan ancestor, Brutus, grandson Aeneas. With this fine pedigree rooted in ancient classical civilizations, dispelled any thoughts that might have been rude barbarians beyond reach Graeco-Roman world. He was most resourceful applying rich imagination to filling many gaps early history. successfully pandered sensibilities patrons. related stirring accounts heroic times, such as story King Lear, ready for Shakespeare exploit centuries later. created channel through which enduring Arthurian legend is transmitted appreciative audience year year. But more anything else, Monmouth started grand tradition invented Earlier writers had also parts their historical accounts, but Geoffrey’s rousing good stories immediately became popular throughout Europe remained so well eighteenth century. That great history continues its powerful influence present day, persistent efforts some Scottish nationalists attest. English-speaking world replete with attempts use classical, biblical, folkloric, invented, imagined sources personal, monetary, ethnic, religious, political, national aggrandizement vehicle documentation has long problem inventors For example, claimed obtained details from vetustissimus liber, very book (that is, Welsh) language never materialized. When antiquarians Director Emeritus, Arizona State Museum, editorial advisor Journal Southwest. Southwest 51, 1 (Spring 2009) : 1–2 2 ✜ sixteenth seventeenth discovered artifacts archaeological contexts began recognize those objects products human activity, they opened up new opportunities bolstering Because real found on surface sites were often inadequate not fully convincing fanciful specifically crafted support particular fantasies appear be falsified circumstances. By nineteenth century there outpouring forged tailor-made specific histories planted suggestive contexts. rise empirical science late probably increased pressure provide tangible evidence manufacture if necessary. This kind backed by material may thought manufactured It New World, especially United States, really blossomed. situation here complicated diversity U.S. population. On one hand, are American Indians, who stimulated questions about where came how biblical times. other different groups lands multitude fraternal, affiliations goals. As result, extensive scholarly literature country, enormous commentary press. Monmouth’s alive America today. Southwest, resources Indian communities, source large body tales galore buried treasure, off-course Phoenician seafarers, wandering Welshspeaking “white” even extraterrestrial invaders. Arizona’s famous represented Tucson lead seem describe Latin exploits group Jewish refugees Carolingian times...
Journal of the Southwest