The library at Hereford Cathedral is famous as one of the few surviving chained libraries'; but the contents of the books secured to the seventeenth century presses are less well known. There are 227 western manuscripts, of which about half have been at the cathedral since before the Reformation. They range in date from the eighth to the fifteenth century, and include finely-illustrated patristic books of the twelfth century, a large collection of Oxford University legal textbooks, and books of civil and canon law from the end of the thirteenth century. Over half the volumes survive in largely intact medieval bindings. The catalogue, begun by the late Sir Roger Mynors and completed by Professor Thomson, reflects the particular strengths of the collection. The many glossed books are described using a particularly effective system devised by Sir Roger Mynors. An introductory essay by Michael Gullick describes the medieval bindings, and the plates cover not only illumination and bindings, but medieval pressmarks and ownership inscriptions, as well as examples of scripts.

Gesta Pontificum Anglorum (History of the English Bishops) is one of the most important medieval texts written c. 1125 by one of England's key historians of the period, William, Monk of Malmesbury. It is a is a vivid narrative on the English Church, its bishoprics and monasteries, from c.600 to William's contemporary era. Conceived as a companion piece to his Gesta Regum Anglorum, this historical work was a unique enterprise, and the result is a substantial book, elegantly written, full of original information, and characterized by intelligent interpretation and judgement.
Gesta Pontificum Anglorum (History of the English Bishops) is one of the most important medieval texts written c. 1125 by one of England's key historians of the period, William, Monk of Malmesbury. It is a is a vivid narrative on the English Church, its bishoprics and monasteries, from c.600 to William's contemporary era. Conceived as a companion piece to his Gesta Regum Anglorum, this historical work was a unique enterprise, and the result is a substantial book, elegantly written, full of original information, and characterized by intelligent interpretation and judgement.
This second volume by R. M. Thomson contains an introduction and detailed commentary to accompany the Latin text and translation of the work, appearing in Volume I. The introduction presents and analyzes the reasons behind the work - its structure, its main sources and program of research, and its influence and significance. The commentary, linked to the Latin text, discusses problems and questions revealed by the work, and illustrations appear throughout.

William of Malmesbury (c.1090-c.1143) is one of the most distinguished historians of England. He also wrote Lives of saints: of Wulfstan II of Worcester, Dunstan of Canterbury, Patrick, and the more obscure Benignus and Indract, honoured at Glastonbury. This volume contains editions and translations of all these works, with an assessment of their importance as sources of information, and of William as researcher and writer.