The Continuation of a Groundbreaking Ethnological History
In the second volume of Ancient and Modern Britons, Scottish folklorist and antiquarian David MacRitchie expands upon the highly original theories presented in Volume 1. Continuing his massive, controversial study of the original inhabitants of the British Isles, MacRitchie traces the later history and cultural assimilation of the dark-skinned indigenous tribes he identifies as the true "ancient Britons."
Moving forward in history, Volume 2 heavily examines the Romani (Gypsy) populations, the legendary "Moors" of British folklore, and the societal structures of these early groups as they interacted with successive waves of invaders and settlers. Through linguistics, historical records, and enduring folklore, MacRitchie argues that these early peoples did not simply vanish but were gradually absorbed into the modern British populace, leaving a profound and hidden cultural legacy.
Inside this fascinating anthropological text, readers will explore:Gypsies and Moors: A deep dive into the historical records and cultural footprint of the Romani people and other marginalized groups in British history.
Cultural Assimilation: How the ancient, indigenous tribes integrated into-or were pushed to the fringes of-modern society.
Historical Folklore: The preservation of ethnic history and ancestral memory through local myths, legends, and language.

Completing this massive, heavily researched 19th-century study, Ancient and Modern Britons, Vol. 2 is a vital text for historians, folklorists, and anyone interested in the complex, diverse, and ancient history of Great [...] volume work of Scottish Historian David Mac Ritchie, 1851-1925, first published in 1884 and long out of print, its impact will have as profound an impact as Gerald Massey and Godfey Higgins.