Domesday Book has been described as 'the most valuable piece
of antiquity possessed by any nation.' (David Hume) But a complete
translation has never been available before at an affordable price.
Penguin's edition will change that. Compiled in a matter of months
in 1086 at the behest of William the Conqueror, Domesday quickly
established itself as document of immense legal importance. It was
last consulted for legal precedent in 1982. It is also the most
remarkable portrait of England in thelate eleventh century. The
publication of a complete translation of Great and Little Domesday
is already being eagerly anticipated by historians. There are
advance quotes from Norman Davies, Michael Wood, Roy Strong and
Antonia Fraser.