In the middle of the twelfth century Geoffrey of Monmouth set out to produce a vast and exciting legendary history of Britain.

With little sources to hand, Geoffrey found inspiration in the events unfolding around him and drew upon the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England. In doing so he refashioned older legends into the stuff of history. Part history, part fiction, his reimaging of the ancient British past was filled with prophecy, betrayal, war and conquest. From its very heart emerged the figures of King Arthur and Merlin.

Everyone knows the legend of King Arthur, but Geoffrey's role in his creation has been lost in the popular imagination, while Arthur's fame has overshadowed the much larger legendary history to which he belonged.

Island of Dragons explores the emergence of these legendary figures and the indelible mark both they – and their creator – made on British literature. In doing so, Jennifer Farrell examines what they can tell us about the complicated relationship between legend and history, past and present.