
Anglo Saxon prose
Michael Swanton(Editor)
The Choir Press
3rd Edition
Published on 2. January 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
358 pages
978-1-910864-74-6 (ISBN)
Description
Handed down through generations of storytellers, the popular tales of Anglo-Saxon England herald the birth of a national literature in which the language of the people, rather than the Latin of scholars, came into its own. Written down by kings, scribes and saints, these tales are a rich cross-section of early English life: peace-treaty, trial by ordeal, a witch's drowning. The story of Saint Guthlac presents an often humorous account of trials and tribulations endured by a moody young nobleman converted to the contemplative life of a hermit in East Anglia. Great figures of the past and their brave deeds were King Alfred's inspiration when he embarked on his series of historical and philosophical writings; these included a vivid account of the English seafarers' adventures in the Arctic North. Practical advice is given to estate managers, and on gem-stones, on herbal remedies, or the development of the foetus. Apollonius is a forerunner of the great medieval romances, whilst there are instructions on the sign language to be used by dumb monks; lists of religious relics. A unique collection, with introduction and notes.
More details
Edition
3rd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Gloucester
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
526 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-910864-74-6 (9781910864746)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Michael Swanton is Emeritus Professor of English Medieval Studies at the University of Exeter and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Society of Antiquaries and is an authority on Anglo-Saxon England.