"Geary's lucid and expert examination of the circumstances in which ... stories and identities were created ... offers a satisfying and ... often a subtle approach to some of the most elusive aspects of a complicated period. Its methodology is brilliantly and persuasively vindicated."
R.I. Moore, Times Literary Supplement "In this compelling historical treatise, Geary debunks the myth that modern European ... Read morenational and ethnic groups can be traced to distinct ancient or early medieval peoples... [H]is arguments are important in light of the nationalistic excesses of the 20th century, and his conclusions are sure to provoke controversy among scholars."
Publishers Weekly "An admirable survey of a complicated and important subject."
Kelly McFall, History: Review of Books "Patrick Geary's The Myth of Nations is more timely than he could have anticipated... Since 1989, this period
between the third and eighth centuries
has been persistently misrepresented by Europe's nationalist and racist populations, who claim to find in the Middle Ages some kind of justification for their policies... Demythologizing the early Middle Ages entails first understanding how the myths were created in the 19th century. Geary is blunt ... it is impossible to map linguistic or ethnic identities onto national territories... Ethnicity is 'impervious to mere rational disproof.' This is why Geary's message is so compelling, and why it matters to keep faith with reason: getting Europe's medieval past straight gives a bearing on its future."
J.L. Nelson, London Review of Books Show Less