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.
This revised edition of A History of Old English Literature draws extensively on the latest scholarship to have evolved over the last decade. The text incorporates additional material throughout, including two new chapters on Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and incidental and marginal texts. This revised edition responds to the renewed historicism in medieval studies Provides wide-ranging coverage, including Anglo-Latin literature as well as non-canonical writings Includes new chapters on manuscripts and on marginal and incidental texts Incorporates expanded coverage of legal texts and scientific and scholastic texts, now treated in separate chapters Demonstrates that the field of Anglo-Saxon studies is uniquely placed to contribute to current literary debates