Synopses & Reviews
This book introduces students to the literature of Anglo-Saxon England, the period from 600-1066, in a collection of fifteen specially commissioned essays. The chapters are written by experts, but designed to be accessible to students who may be unfamiliar with Old English. The emphasis throughout is on placing texts in their contemporary context and suggesting ways in which they relate to each other and to the important events and issues of the time. With the help of maps and a chronological table of events the first chapters describe briefly the political, social and ecclesiastical history of the period and how poetry and prose in Latin and in the vernacular developed and flourished. A succinct account of Old English provides beginners with a handy guide to the rules of spelling, grammar and syntax. Subsequent chapters explore the range of Anglo-Saxon writing under different thematic headings. A final bibliography gives guidance on further reading.
Synopsis
This book introduces students to English Literature of the Anglo-Saxon period, from 600 to 1066, in a collection of fifteen specially commissioned essays.
Synopsis
This book introduces students to the literature of Anglo-Saxon England, the period from 600 1066, in a collection of fifteen specially commissioned essays. The Companion is aimed at students encountering Old English Literature for the first time, and teachers who have no expertise in Old English but who require clear guidance in an unfamiliar field. The first chapters describe the political and social background to the period, the rules of Old English grammar and the way in which prose and poetry in Latin and in the vernacular developed and flourished. Subsequent chapters explore the range of Anglo-Saxon writing under different thematic headings. A final bibliography gives guidance on further reading.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 282-291) and index.
Table of Contents
List of contributors; Preface; Note on the text; 1. Anglo-Saxon society and its literature Patrick Wormald; 2. The Old English language Helmut Gneuss; 3. The nature of Old English verse D. G. Scragg; 4. The nature of Old English prose Janet Bately; 5. Germanic legend and Anglo-Saxon literature Roberta Frank; 6. Heroic ideals and Christian ethics Katherine OâBrien OâKeeffe; 7. Pagan survivals and popular belief John D. Niles; 8. Beowulf Fred C. Robinson; 9. Fatalism and the millenium Joseph B. Trahern, Jr; 10. Perceptions of transience Christine Fell; 11. Perceptions of eternity Milton McGatch; 12. Biblical literature: the Old Testament Malcolm Godden; 13. Biblical literature: the New Testament Barbara C. Raw; 14. The saintly life in Anglo-Saxon England Michael Lapidge; 15. The world of Anglo-Saxon learning Patrizia Lendinara; Further reading; Index.