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THE ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLE. TRANSLATED WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY G.N. GARMONSWAY
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of annals in Old English chronicling the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The original ms. of the Chronicle was created late in the 9th century, probably in Wessex, during the reign of Alfred the Great. Multiple copies were made of that original which were distributed to monasteries across England, where they were independently updated. In one case, the Chronicle was still being actively updated in 1154. Nine mss survive in whole or in part, tho not all are of equal historical value & none of them is the original version. The oldest seems to have been started towards the end of Alfred's reign, while the most recent was written at Peterborough Abbey after a fire at that monastery in 1116. Almost all of the material in the Chronicle is in the form of annals, by year. The earliest are dated 60 BC (the annals' date for Caesar's invasions of Britain) & historical material follows up to the year in which the chronicle was written, at which point contemporary records begin. These mss collectively are known as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
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First published January 1, 890
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May 6, 2018The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a blend of the accessible for example the continuous narrative of the King Stephen's reign with its well-known phrase "and men said openly that Christ and His saints slept" and the difficult - brief entries that presumably were full of significance when they were written but hard to understand without a fuller context.
It's believed that the chronicle was started in the reign of Alfred the Great - entries from that point are full and remain fairly detailed for some years. The earlier sections were constructed from Bede and, presumably, some other sources or traditions. The last entries in the chronicle are for 1154 by which stage it seems that the chronicle was being maintained by one monastery and in a dialect version of Anglo-Saxon and not the Wessex/Winchester old English used in earlier parts of the chronicle.
This translation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle prints the variant texts in parallel. The translation dates from the 1950s and has quite possibly been superseded although the Dorothy Whitlock translation in English Historical Documents was generally the recommended one in any case. Some times the five or so versions of the chronicle are identical, at points they differ. It's interesting to dip into if reading some other history of the Anglo-Saxons just to see what some of the raw material is like, or to read the reign of a king. It has it's bizarre moments, the chronicle entry for King Aethelstan's victory at the battle of Brunanburh is for instance a poem (and why not you might think), or the burst of apparent outrage from King Alfred's reign describing a Viking attack on one of the King's much feted border forts - only half built and guarded by peasants!
The introductory essay contains nice examples of earlier renditions into modern English such as 'they hung burning things on their feet' instead of the more correct 'they hung mail shirts on their feet'.
It's believed that the chronicle was started in the reign of Alfred the Great - entries from that point are full and remain fairly detailed for some years. The earlier sections were constructed from Bede and, presumably, some other sources or traditions. The last entries in the chronicle are for 1154 by which stage it seems that the chronicle was being maintained by one monastery and in a dialect version of Anglo-Saxon and not the Wessex/Winchester old English used in earlier parts of the chronicle.
This translation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle prints the variant texts in parallel. The translation dates from the 1950s and has quite possibly been superseded although the Dorothy Whitlock translation in English Historical Documents was generally the recommended one in any case. Some times the five or so versions of the chronicle are identical, at points they differ. It's interesting to dip into if reading some other history of the Anglo-Saxons just to see what some of the raw material is like, or to read the reign of a king. It has it's bizarre moments, the chronicle entry for King Aethelstan's victory at the battle of Brunanburh is for instance a poem (and why not you might think), or the burst of apparent outrage from King Alfred's reign describing a Viking attack on one of the King's much feted border forts - only half built and guarded by peasants!
The introductory essay contains nice examples of earlier renditions into modern English such as 'they hung burning things on their feet' instead of the more correct 'they hung mail shirts on their feet'.
February 16, 2013
I've intended to read this for some time now, but the Bernard Cornwell books kind of chivvied me on a bit! Why oh why oh why isn't this stuff taught in schools?????!!! It's absolutely fascinating! I had no idea William the Conqueror was such a tyrant! Of course, everything about Alfred is fascinating, but all of it was so interesting! Can feel a letter to Michael Gove coming on ...
August 11, 2023
Mislim, što očekivati od kronike. Realno, da nije toliko nabrajanje svega (što joj je glavni cilj) ovo bi vjerojatno čak bilo zanimljivije od nekih književnih djela.
April 28, 2010
In a nutshell, this hefty hardback is a reproduction of the Anglo-Saxon chronicle, a yearly account of English deeds from the birth of Christ to the 12th century. It was written by monks and the first half is retrospective; it wasn't until King Alfred's era that this chronicle was actually begun.
Anne Savage has translated and collated the chronicle into a fine-looking account. My only issue is with her statement in the foreword that "we have presented the Chronicles selectively, [...:] the language has been modernized sufficiently to make it immediately understandable". While I'm not in a position to check specifics, this could mean that certain entries are missing or the meaning changed from the original.
Still, it's the extra stuff that makes this such a good read. There are many additional pages explaining specifics of an era or looking at Anglo-Saxon culture. Best of all, these segments of elucidation are accompanied by exquisite photographs, many of them in colour, showing artefacts, buildings and manuscripts. I hadn't seen many of these photos before, and they were delightful. Combine these with the lovely borders on most pages and you have one of the most attractive history books out there.
Anne Savage has translated and collated the chronicle into a fine-looking account. My only issue is with her statement in the foreword that "we have presented the Chronicles selectively, [...:] the language has been modernized sufficiently to make it immediately understandable". While I'm not in a position to check specifics, this could mean that certain entries are missing or the meaning changed from the original.
Still, it's the extra stuff that makes this such a good read. There are many additional pages explaining specifics of an era or looking at Anglo-Saxon culture. Best of all, these segments of elucidation are accompanied by exquisite photographs, many of them in colour, showing artefacts, buildings and manuscripts. I hadn't seen many of these photos before, and they were delightful. Combine these with the lovely borders on most pages and you have one of the most attractive history books out there.
April 26, 2025
A beautifully illustrated large book. Printed with a reasonably sized font.
Starting with the Year 1 the Roman occupation to Henry II
1154-1189.
I bought this book sometime in the 1990s as something relaxing to read on my lunch hour.
It is 277 pages so it is only intended to give a nice overview of the amazing transition of England covered during these centuries.
Starting with the Year 1 the Roman occupation to Henry II
1154-1189.
I bought this book sometime in the 1990s as something relaxing to read on my lunch hour.
It is 277 pages so it is only intended to give a nice overview of the amazing transition of England covered during these centuries.
March 22, 2008
I borrowed a friend's card to the Cal State Fullerton Library to check out three volumes at a time of the 14-volume set. The books were kept on one of the top floors, and they were old and smelled like mold...mmm, my favorite book-smell. I can't believe that now the condensed set can be ordered in paperback! It took me several months to read the meticulous writing of ancient monks, (translated from Old English) and I learned so much about how the world was viewed by these scholarly men of the 9th century. I was amazed that they wrote of how dragons swept across the sky and left drought and famine in their wake, burning fields etc. One of the books told of how Jesus, while still a child, lived in a cave with Joseph and Mary during their escape from Jerusalem. Jesus and another child argued and Jesus struck him dead. His parents explained how this wasn't a very child of Godish thing to do, so Jesus brought him back to life. I got a kick out of that one. I'm glad I read these books, but I was also glad to be done with them
January 18, 2016
I will acquire my own copy - an indispensable reference for anyone interested in Dark Ages/ Middle Ages - and fascinating, to boot!
January 1, 2020
Not the easiest of reads, a list of events year by year which can go past too fast; blink and you miss something of huge significance! But a truly interesting read
March 25, 2019
Great compilation of the different versions of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
February 12, 2020
primary source. not exciting but really interesting to read what they thought was worth recording. coronations. deaths. high winds.
September 17, 2015
I trudged through this for awhile. There are things I find incredibly interesting and that are so helpful for contextualization, but for just sitting down and reading, bits like the lists of bishops' deaths can get a bit frustrating.
However, there are some real jewels in the entries, like the fiery dragons in the sky, the founding/naming of towns, or the extensive description of medieval torture that stood out to me. I like how the king's ancestry is traced at first to Woden, then eventually to Adam--interesting mixing of religions there. I think before reading this it's worth getting a foundation in Anglo-Saxon history from modern scholars, and also looking things up as you read. Whenever something intrigued me or I felt I was having difficulty connecting events, it helped to just look them up.
Also,I think it goes without saying that this is a must-read for Anglo-Saxon scholars.
However, there are some real jewels in the entries, like the fiery dragons in the sky, the founding/naming of towns, or the extensive description of medieval torture that stood out to me. I like how the king's ancestry is traced at first to Woden, then eventually to Adam--interesting mixing of religions there. I think before reading this it's worth getting a foundation in Anglo-Saxon history from modern scholars, and also looking things up as you read. Whenever something intrigued me or I felt I was having difficulty connecting events, it helped to just look them up.
Also,I think it goes without saying that this is a must-read for Anglo-Saxon scholars.
November 19, 2017
This isn't the first place to go if you're looking to actually study the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, the vernacular history of the English that was begun in the late Ninth century and continued until the Twelfth. It's a compilation of pieces of the various regional chronicles, rather than a complete translation. If, however, you want to *read* the sucker, this is a good place to turn. It's set up as one continuous narrative -- a compilation -- and it's beautifully illustrated. I'm not planning to replace my more-complete versions, and indeed I'm not likely to look here when I'm cross-referencing other medieval sources. But if I just want to plunk down in a recliner and have a read, this is what I'm going to pick up.
May 11, 2012
A translation of the chronicles coupled with illustrations and a historical review of the times. Singles out historical figures, architecture and art from Roman occupation to the battle of hastings, and beyond to Henry II. Great illustrations and pictures from relevant archeology. I would have liked more information on language development and mythology but in terms of a generous overview, this was book has been one of my better finds.
Want to read
September 7, 2017Bernard Cornwell uses Anne Savage's translation as source for his terrific 10-novel Saxon Stories: goodreads.com/review/show/2116524609
April 27, 2009
Once you have even a passing knowledge of the Anglo-Saxons, you'll probably want to read through the Chronicle. Whitelock's translation features side-by-side versions of each manuscript when sources differ.
July 9, 2019
Detailed edition of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in the original Old English
February 18, 2022
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is the most important land-mark of Anglo-Saxon prose that came into existence in the reign of King Alfred. It may be said to be the first historical treatise in English and the Chronicle is carried from the beginning of the Christian era beyond the conquest down to the reign of King Stephen in the 12th century.
Though not the King's own work, it was inspired and sponsored by him and he himself dictated some of the passages that deal particularly with his own campaigns against the Danes in the earlier part of the Chronicle. It was compiled by the monks working at different centres and times. It is extant in several manuscripts.
It is not merely a dry record of historical events and dates. In many of its passages occur vivid detailed descriptions of the conditions of the common people. The pictures of the wars, too, have a poetic beauty and vigour. For instance, the descriptions of the common people during the civil wars of the reign of King Stephen rival those of many modern historians in English and show a curiously modern historical sense.
Again, in the portion relating to the tenth century are inserted some important poems. The Battle of Brunanburh, for instance, occurs there.
The continuity of English prose from the old English period to the Middle English period is demonstrated by the chronicle more clearly than anywhere else, and its different manuscripts are of prime importance for the students of the English language.
The chronicle is the best monument of early English that is left to the English.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is of immense value as an authority for the history of the Anglo-Saxon period. The events and incidents are revised in an impersonal way.
There are a few monuments which are more precious than the chronicle: "for no people in Europe can pride itself on having chronicles so ancient written in its natural language" (Jusserand).
Though not the King's own work, it was inspired and sponsored by him and he himself dictated some of the passages that deal particularly with his own campaigns against the Danes in the earlier part of the Chronicle. It was compiled by the monks working at different centres and times. It is extant in several manuscripts.
It is not merely a dry record of historical events and dates. In many of its passages occur vivid detailed descriptions of the conditions of the common people. The pictures of the wars, too, have a poetic beauty and vigour. For instance, the descriptions of the common people during the civil wars of the reign of King Stephen rival those of many modern historians in English and show a curiously modern historical sense.
Again, in the portion relating to the tenth century are inserted some important poems. The Battle of Brunanburh, for instance, occurs there.
The continuity of English prose from the old English period to the Middle English period is demonstrated by the chronicle more clearly than anywhere else, and its different manuscripts are of prime importance for the students of the English language.
The chronicle is the best monument of early English that is left to the English.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is of immense value as an authority for the history of the Anglo-Saxon period. The events and incidents are revised in an impersonal way.
There are a few monuments which are more precious than the chronicle: "for no people in Europe can pride itself on having chronicles so ancient written in its natural language" (Jusserand).
February 17, 2019
I hate having to give bad reviews.
With 4 different versions of the same events to go over in one book, you'd think whoever put it together would have put more effort into the layout. Not so. The entire reason this is getting 3 stars is due to this. The content is interesting enough to warrant 4/5 stars.
However, the narrative swaps between various accounts without proper set up or any distinct reasoning behind it. You'll get a few years worth of one, then a few of another, then two years of the third and so on. Entries stop mid-sentence and continue pages later, and while it's all noted as you go, it doesn't make it any less of a chore to get through.
Maybe this works for academics? I'm not one, I read this purely out of interest in the subject matter, and unfortunately find myself frustrated at how inaccessible it was.
With 4 different versions of the same events to go over in one book, you'd think whoever put it together would have put more effort into the layout. Not so. The entire reason this is getting 3 stars is due to this. The content is interesting enough to warrant 4/5 stars.
However, the narrative swaps between various accounts without proper set up or any distinct reasoning behind it. You'll get a few years worth of one, then a few of another, then two years of the third and so on. Entries stop mid-sentence and continue pages later, and while it's all noted as you go, it doesn't make it any less of a chore to get through.
Maybe this works for academics? I'm not one, I read this purely out of interest in the subject matter, and unfortunately find myself frustrated at how inaccessible it was.
July 4, 2025
A series of manuscripts written roughly during the reign of Alfred the Great (871-899) up to 1154 may not be the most riveting reading. But when you place this chronicle in its historical context, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the history, values, and priorities of England in the medieval period. There’s a lot of information, dates, and deaths (lots of recorded deaths…many abbots were quite old and died often). There’s some simple facts, military antics, ledgers, recorded disasters (famines, floods, harsh winters, etc.), and religious records. It’s one of the greatest and longest sources of English history and old manuscripts in the English language with some historical facts not found in any other written record. It’s a valuable resource in understanding early England and the evolution of the English language.
November 16, 2022
Do not buy this book to read the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle unless you're an academic. It's complete, well-cited and impossible to read. All the versions are chopped up such that each version appears in its chronological place, but that makes for confusing repetition. The notes and introduction offer no help to the reader – again, they are purely for the academic.
January 2, 2024
A chronological accounting of events and people in Medieval England. It is a hodge-podge of many different topics and themes, with a list of names and titles that is mind-numbing.
One year's accounting can either be a single sentence or a multi page diatribe.
2.5 stars.
One year's accounting can either be a single sentence or a multi page diatribe.
2.5 stars.
December 9, 2024
Hands down the most important book for anyone who wants to study European history. Easily the most fun, intriguing, and challenging read. I highly recommend reading this while listening to "The History of England" podcast by David Crowther while reading.
April 28, 2025
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
An excellent edition of these classic texts. The inclusion of relevant texts, some in original language, and relevant illustrations provide for a very thorough recounting of a fascinating era in British, and Eurooean history.
An excellent edition of these classic texts. The inclusion of relevant texts, some in original language, and relevant illustrations provide for a very thorough recounting of a fascinating era in British, and Eurooean history.
May 9, 2025
Great book. It tells a great history of the anglo-saxons up until the death of Stephen. Now it is a translation so it doesn't read normally. It also reads like a timeline. There are no chapters but it is a very interesting book.
October 20, 2025
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a diary documenting the reign of the early British kings when England was separate kingdoms. And important dates like the Danish invasion and the creation of the Dane Law. In additional to learning when famines and plagues occurred.
February 13, 2018
This is a very good book with great original source material!
February 2, 2019
The intro was as confusing as the chronicles themselves, but I enjoyed it immensely.
June 12, 2020
Awesome original source on the anglosaxon early english history
November 6, 2020
Whitelock’s edition is sufficient for my study, and the Chronicle is just haunting.
May 11, 2021
For historians out there who just began into to field, I highly recommend Dorothy Whitlock translation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews