San Antonio College Library

A critical study of the background and achievements of English literature from its origins in the sixth century to its continuing influence after the Norman Conquest.

"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...

Annotation

"The Anglo-Saxon Literature Handbook presents an accessible introduction to the surviving works of prose and poetry produced in Anglo-Saxon England, from AD 410-1066. This book: Makes Anglo-Saxon literature accessible to modern readers ; Helps readers to overcome the linguistic, aesthetic and cultural barriers to understanding and appreciating Anglo-Saxon verse and prose ; Introduces readers to the language, politics, and religion of the Anglo-Saxon...

This book of twenty-two essays is designed for the student of Old English literature. Its aim is to enlarge his background and to suggest various approaches to his reading of the earliest vernacular literature in our culture. - Preface.