The Parallel editions
This page contains parallel text versions of the different Welsh Latin annals commonly referred to as Annales Cambriae. At the moment, there is a parallel edition of the ‘World Chronicle’ segments which begin the Breviate and Cottonian chronicles (the ‘B’ and ‘C’ versions of Annales Cambriae) , alongside the chronicles of Isidore and Bede with which these texts share close similarities.
In a paper in Studia Celtica (12/13, 1977/8, Cardiff), 'The Welsh Annals', Professor Dumville wrote, "(w)hat other work still remains to be done on all these texts [the Welsh Latin chronicles]? There is, in fact, a considerable amount of research still needed. The most pressing . . . is a study of their chronological structure . . . Much can be learned of sources and transmission from a rigorous investigation of the chronological structure, and a reasonably accurate dating can be deduced for the sequence of early Welsh history, which will replace the arbitrary or haphazard dates now holding sway. Following the completion of the chronological investigations, the way will be clear for a new edition of the Latin texts. Plainly, much thought must be given to the arrangement of such an edition, but the best method would seem to be the presentation of parallel texts as follows (the dates are those at present in use; they will have to be modified in detail): (1) B and C, Creation to 444; (2) ABC, 445-977; (3) BC, 978-1189; (4) BCE, 1190-1253; (5) BCDE, 1254-66; (6) BCD, 1267-88." Professor Dumville himself has essayed a parallel text for ABC 684-954 (2002, Annales Cambriae, A.D. 682-954: Texts A-C in Parallel, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, University of Cambridge).
Now that more reliable editions of the surviving Welsh Latin texts have been established, it is possible to create parallel editions along the lines suggested by Professor Dumville; and these are indeed revelatory about the chronology of the World Chronicles and the annals, and its problems, and the relationship between the various texts themselves, and between the texts and their sources.