Runes: An Introduction

by Ralph Warren Victor Elliott

Traces the origins of runic writing, looks at the stories told in runic writings, and presents a variety of runic inscriptions

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Linguistics

151 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 1959

Reviews

[Jim Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very interesting and provides a decent history of runic writing. It is also not really an "introduction" to my mind. The level of detail used should have some prerequisites included such as previous familiarity with futhorc runes, Old English language, maybe some German language as well. Knowledge of Scandinavian lore would also be useful. I enjoyed it but I'm positive I didn't get as much from it as I could have if I'd known a bit more going in.

[David Melbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in Plattsburgh so long ago, I decided that I better read it! I think I bought this in 1991, one of my first purchases at a half-price book store that was right across the street from where I lived at the time; very dangerous.

I believe this book was a big influence on Ralph H. Blum, author of The Book of Runes, and it is easy to see that he drew heavily from it. Thank you, Ralph and Ralph! --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.

12/10/10 Note: So old there is no cover image! Originally published in 1959, my book is a 1989 British publication.

[Joseph F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little scholarly book for learning the runes. However, I found many of the phonetic rules and symbols difficult to understand. I don't know the difference between the "th" in "this" as opposed to "then."
But with many books by scholars, the reader is expected to know certain things.
Although he does talk a bit about magic, this book is primarily for those interested in
deciphering inscriptions. Not so much for the esoteric runologist.

[Anie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to runes and their history and use (with a nice bit of linguistic detail).