Giraldi Cambrensis Opera

Despite a frustrated ecclesiastical career - his ongoing failure to secure the See of St David's embittered him - Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales, Gerald de Barry, c.1146–1220/3) composed many remarkable literary works, initially while employed as a royal clerk for Henry II and, subsequently, in semi-retirement in Lincoln. Eight volumes of his works were compiled as part of the Rolls Series of British medieval material. Noted for his vigorous Latin and anecdotal style, Giraldus gives a vivid portrait of medieval Britain and the intrigues of the Angevin court. Volume 2, edited by historian J. S. Brewer (1809–79) and published in 1862, contains the 'Gemma ecclesiastica', Giraldus' handbook on sacraments and morals, addressed to his clergy. Comprising the Latin text with an editorial preface in English, it gives a vivid picture of the medieval ecclesiastical world, and also illuminates nineteenth-century interest in the period.