A History Of Old English Literature

Recent years have witnessed renewed emphasis on historicism in medieval studies. This timely introduction responds to that trend, focusing on the production and reception of Old English texts, and on their relation to Anglo-Saxon history and culture.

The book presents a wider range of material than is usual in English literary histories. It not only covers an intriguing range of genres, from riddles and cryptograms to allegory and romance, but into this coverage it also integrates discussion of Anglo-Latin texts which are crucial to understanding the development of Old English literature. Its extensive bibliographical coverage of scholarship devotes special attention to studies of the past 15 years, while a retrospective section outlines the reception of the Anglo-Saxons and their literature in later periods.

Throughout their narrative, the authors champion Anglo-Saxon studies, contending that it is uniquely placed to contribute to current debates about literature's relation to history and culture.

This timely introduction to Old English literature focuses on the production and reception of Old English texts, and on their relation to Anglo-Saxon history and culture.

Introduces Old English texts and considers their relation to Anglo-Saxon culture.
Responds to renewed emphasis on historical and cultural contexts in the field of medieval studies.
Treats virtually the entire range of textual types preserved in Old English.
Considers the production, reception and uses of Old English texts.
Integrates the Anglo-Latin backgrounds crucial to understanding Old English literature.
Offers very extensive bibliographical guidance.
Demonstrates that Anglo-Saxon studies is uniquely placed to contribute to current literary debates.