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Constructing the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
Offers insights into sources and inspirations, authorship and authorial
style, and patterns of separation and convergence across versions of the Anglo-Saxon
Chronicles.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is one of the most important documents to survive from
early medieval England. Written in Old English, it was first created during the reign of
King Alfred the Great (871-899). Up to Alfred's reign, and then in multiple continuations
extending into the twelfth century, the Chronicle versions often provide a unique record of
events, at times reported in the barest style, at others with passionate commentary.This
book is the first to tell the story of how the Chronicles came to be, providing a clear but
detailed account of the development of its various versions. It starts with an examination
of the textual and manuscript evidence, then explores the work of the two chroniclers first
responsible for the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's creation in the late ninth century, arguing that
the first made a set of annals from disparate sources. The author then contends that a later
reviser aligned with the Alfredian political programme wrote the annals for Alfred's reign,
and at the same time also revised earlier entries, including the famous story of Cynewulf
and Cyneheard. This book also sheds new light on the annals of thelred the Unready, arguing
that Archbishop Wulfstan of York is likely to have authored some of these, together with
some tenth-century annals. Its final chapter provides the first comprehensive study of all
the Chronicles' poetry.
style, and patterns of separation and convergence across versions of the Anglo-Saxon
Chronicles.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is one of the most important documents to survive from
early medieval England. Written in Old English, it was first created during the reign of
King Alfred the Great (871-899). Up to Alfred's reign, and then in multiple continuations
extending into the twelfth century, the Chronicle versions often provide a unique record of
events, at times reported in the barest style, at others with passionate commentary.This
book is the first to tell the story of how the Chronicles came to be, providing a clear but
detailed account of the development of its various versions. It starts with an examination
of the textual and manuscript evidence, then explores the work of the two chroniclers first
responsible for the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's creation in the late ninth century, arguing that
the first made a set of annals from disparate sources. The author then contends that a later
reviser aligned with the Alfredian political programme wrote the annals for Alfred's reign,
and at the same time also revised earlier entries, including the famous story of Cynewulf
and Cyneheard. This book also sheds new light on the annals of thelred the Unready, arguing
that Archbishop Wulfstan of York is likely to have authored some of these, together with
some tenth-century annals. Its final chapter provides the first comprehensive study of all
the Chronicles' poetry.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
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