Millions died during the
Black Death, and the plague was no respecter of class. So many lives were lost
that Europe’s nobility had to seek spouses
among the commoners. Royal blood seeped outward, and as a result, most
Americans with English ancestry are descended from kings, including me. So is
Christy Robinson, and this masterful storyteller has turned her quest for royal
ancestors’ resting places into "Effigy Hunter."
Is this intriguing book a history,
genealogy, or personal memoir? All that, and more. Ms. Robinson’s meticulous
charts provide readers with locations and descriptions of tombs and effigies,
interspersed with unique photographs and lively travel anecdotes. Whether you
wish you could make the trip to England
to visit your royal ancestors’ graves, or have lunch at the holy isle of Lindisfarne with an engaging guide, the informative and
entertaining "Effigy Hunter" is for you.
****************
Genealogy enthusiast and historical author Christy
K Robinson’s family history searches have taken her into the great cathedrals
and obscure country churches in which her own ancestors—and those of the
millions of other people sharing their genes—and other notables were either
interred or commemorated. Her latest book is a treasure trove of information
about the burial styles of her numerous subjects, primarily royalty and
aristocracy of Britain and Europe during the Dark Ages and Medieval times. Not only
does she analyse specific monuments and their symbolic elements, she describes
the effects of civil wars and religious disputes on the physical contents of
churches and examines discrepancies between burial records and popular legend.
A valuable reference for historians and
genealogists, Effigy Hunter is equally a travelogue and travel memoir. Through
anecdote, illustrations, and photographs, Robinson shares her extensive travels
through England
and other countries. Region-by-region sections contain charts of essential
information on the location and dates of effigies and memorials, making this a
useful field guide for those wishing to visit sites in person. As entertaining
as it is informative!
****************
History / Genealogy / Travelogue indeed! A fascinating
genre-bender!
This review is from: Effigy Hunter (Paperback)
I received this book from the
author as an advanced reader not really knowing what to expect, but I was
delightfully captivated!
I love history for many reasons. Connecting with a past that is far removed
from our present is an adventure -- learning about the movers and shakers of
the day, what motivated them, and how they shaped the world, all of which is a
good study for modern people; but perhaps what is most interesting to me about
history above all things is connecting with the day-to-day lives of ordinary
people who lived and breathed, who had hopes and dreams for life, and who did
the best they could with the life they were given. Christy Robinson, in her
forward, states about her book that it is a "history of human beings whose
lives are mostly forgotten." She uses the effigies of long-dead people to
try to breathe some life into the people behind the stone, saying "it's not
about the blank stare of the 700-year-old marble effigy -- it's the reminder of
the person it represents." In her search for each effigy, she, like others
who go in search of ancestors, appreciated the connection with these people
whose effigies grace the many churches across Europe,
taking in the notion that the people whose effigies now stand cold and dark in
those places actually stood in those same places at some point in their lives.
The effigies provide a way to wonder about the lives of the people, not just
wonder at their tombs.
After a bit of introduction, the book follows a trail of effigies regionally
throughout mostly Great
Britain, but also onto Continental Europe.
Information is given about the effigies themselves, the detailed information
about their locations and condition, but vignettes of certain individuals make
the reading very easy and enjoyable. It's part travelogue/part reference book
in a way I have never encountered before. Robinson has a very easy and casual
writing style, easily accessible by the casual reader and more serious history
student alike.
I would recommend this book to people interested in history and genealogy as
well as anyone planning trips involving these regions to do a similar search of
their own. A lot of time and care was put into the writing of this book, and it
is a worthwhile companion for any traveler.
****************
Author Christy Robinson
has a unique set of talents and interests. In this book, Effigy Hunter, her
uniqueness has never been more evident. The narrative portions of the book are
fascinating as travelogue. The charts that map the locations of important
effigies are informative and meticulous works of original research.
I was fascinated with the book on two
counts—as a historian and as a genealogist. This book is loaded with my ancestors
(ancestors that are common—and, thus, of interest—to multitudes) and many other
historically significant individuals. One need not have ancestors in the book
to be captivated by its compelling narratives related to travel, biography and
history.
This book defies genre. It is unique. It is
interesting. It is academically valuable. You will profit from reading Effigy
Hunter. I did.
****************
Format: Paperback
As someone who loves history and heritage I was naturally
intrigued by Christy K Robinson's latest work: 'Effigy Hunter'; I wasn't too
sure what to expect, a very similar feeling to grasping that ancient iron
church door handle and pushing open the heavy oak door to reveal hidden
treasures in the hushed gloom...
What I did find in Effigy Hunter was an impeccably well-researched read,
written in an easily-accessible manner; Christy's adventures in tracking down
ancestral memorials in forgotten corners of churches, big and small, throughout
the UK
and further afield are a pleasure to read and knit together to form a
fascinating picture of her past.
****************
Not really sure how to
describe this book! Are you fascinated with medieval history? Do you have an
interest in genealogy? Do you look for a burial place in hopes of finding an
ancestor or person from history? Are you curious about why people were buried
they way they were, or where they are? Do you have an interest in the intricate
symbolism in churches and tombs? If you answered yes to any of these questions,
then this book is for you! Christy K. Robinson tells us about all these things
through personal experience and impeccable research. I found I couldn't put it
down. Easy to read, with tables of names, dates, and specific places that are
very easy to follow. My favorite part of the book would have to be chapter 3,
which describes the parts of a medieval church. The stories of who founded
these churches and who are buried there are quite interesting. The intricate
details of tombs and how they change through the centuries are also included.
We get glimpses into these people's lives which makes this book all the more
interesting. I guess if I had to describe this book it would be "The book
you didn't know you needed, but you do!" A must for medieval lovers.
****************
This is an excellent
guide for anyone searching for resting places of their ancestors among the
churches of England.
Set out county by county, it is a friendly book, easy to read and very
informative. Far from just a list of places and people, Ms Robinson has little
stories to tell about many of the people whose effigies she has successfully
hunted. An invaluable resource for anyone undertaking family research, or just
those intrigued by the names and stories behind the crumbling stone images,
brass plaques and magnificent tombs.
****************
A wonderful book for
those interested in history and genealogy that takes you through graveyards,
churches, abbeys, and anywhere else where many historical well-known people are
buried. It's filled with information, photographs, and lovely descriptions that
the reader can enjoy while traveling along with the author in her search for
the burial spots of her ancestors and many others. I loved the description of
the medieval church, and also of the crusaders. It is focused primarily on England, but also includes burial spots of many
in Europe, including France,
Hungary, and Italy.
For travelers, as well as those of the
armchair variety, it is a fabulous book to enjoy. I loved it.
****************
What an adventure!
#EffigyHunter breaks the mold; it is travel writing, history, genealogy, yet it
takes the reader to the United Kingdom,
Paris, and other places in Europe
giving new insights to those places while invoking the experienced traveler of
good memories. Even the historian will learn nuggets of new historical
information. The traveler will be along for the ride in this conversational
romp through the United Kingdom
and other points in Europe. The royalty
depicted left millions of us as descendants. It's a miracle through centuries
of sometimes-violent history that there are this many medieval effigies left.
Try this book! You'll have fun and learn at the same time.
****************
I wasn't exactly sure
what to expect when I began reading Effigy Hunter, as it is a genre bender.
However, I have found it to be strangely fascinating. I am impressed with the
depth of research and detail that has been put into this book. It brings to
life real people who are usually only remembered as epitaphs. I particularly
appreciate the logic presented regarding burial places of individuals. I would
recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medieval history/genealogy
as I am.
****************
Effigy Hunter is a fine
book for anyone looking to go to England to see historic sites,
specifically the monuments to many of our ancestors and many impressive grave
sites. With 60 cool pictures in the book, I highly recommend it to those that
like to have a reference library of our British noble or royal ancestors. I'm
glad I bought it — The price is certainly nice.
****************
I can't tell you enough
how fascinating this book is! Its like Rick Steves meets Indiana Jones! It's
engaging, historical and utterly relevant information is a traveler's absolute
"must have" if you're an individual researching your family tree or
even just hitting the road less traveled by tourists. Even if you're an
armchair or virtual traveler, don't leave this book behind as you go traipsing
back in time, exploring who you are and where you came from!
