The Cambridge Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Literature

Cambridge Introductions to Literature

by Hugh Magennis

An approachable and stimulating introduction to Anglo-Saxon literature, this book provides indispensable guidance for students on this important and rewarding area of literary studies. The chapters are clearly organized by topic, and significant attention is paid to key individual works, including Beowulf, The Seafarer and writings by Bede. All textual quotations are translated into Modern English, with the original language texts carefully explained. The Introduction synthesizes and develops dominant approaches to Anglo-Saxon literature today, integrating Old English and Latin traditions, and placing the literature in larger historical and theoretical contexts. The structure, style and layout are attractive and user-friendly, including illustrative figures and text boxes, and it provides guidance on resources for studying Anglo-Saxon literature, informing the reader of opportunities for investigating the subject further. Overall, the book enables a thorough understanding and appreciation of artful and eloquent works from a distant past, which still speak powerfully to people today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2011

Reviews

[theo]

honestly really loved this! the amount of information is just mad and it's written in a very immersive and compelling way, also finishing with the husband's message is so metal because god knows i will be trying to puzzle it out for the next few weeks

[tomasz ☝️]

Finally! Very in depth introduction with excellent jumping-off points for further research and a comprehensive introduction to many relevant topics.

[Ana]

Super interesting and very well-written :))

[Rachel]

Not sure about Anglo-Saxon literature, but this was a good introduction to that world. I will read more and decide whether or not it is for me.