The Anglo-Saxon Age: The Birth of England

by Martin Wall

The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard in 2009 has captured the imagination and stimulated renewed interest in the history and culture of the Anglo-Saxons. The discovery poses some interesting questions. Who owned the treasure and how did they acquire it? Was it made locally or did it originate elsewhere? Why was it buried in an obscure field in the Staffordshire countryside? To answer these questions, Martin Wall takes us on a journey into a period that still remains mysterious, into regions and countries long forgotten, such as Mercia and Northumbria. This is a story of the 'Dark Ages' and the people who lived in them, but darkness is in the eye of the beholder. This book challenges our notions of these times as barbaric and backward to reveal a civilization as complex, sophisticated and diverse as our own.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History, British Literature, Historical

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Inherited a strong interest in history legends and mythology, and became precocious in this field, reading and "imagineering" from an early age. In later life I returned to West Mercia, and rediscovered this passion for "land magic", folk tales, and elemental stories. Gradually, out of felt need to preserve the ancient inheritance against the ravages of modern industrial/consumerist culture, I experimented with blending ancient folk tales with my own creations. I am a volunteer guide for several organizations, including the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition. I lecture to local groups on these themes.

Reviews

[Sean Barrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Anglo-Saxon age was one of turbulence and constant bloodshed, but there was more to it than this. Central to it was a dream, a dream of England in which a united land existed under one absolute sovereignty with no foreseeable rivals. Many would share this idea, whether Saxon or Dane, and many more would die for it. But it wouldn't be until the Norman Conquest that such a thing was fully achieved.

That came much later though. The early stages of Anglo-Saxon age began with the decline of Roman power, and the opportunities it afforded those looking for new lands. The remaining natives were completely vulnerable, so the slow conquest began as the years elapsed; it became an almost forgone conclusion as Wall recognises here. What he also does, which I think helped to illustrate his ideas, is quote fictional literature at length. He references ideas Tolkien drew upon from the age, and uses Beowulf as an example of historical detail relevant to the period. For me, this helped to contextualise some of the points. Showing the history thematic in literature is always a strong device.

Indeed, the detail in this book was very high. It even shows rough outlines of the early territory divisions in England along with images of the ruins of the more noteworthy places discussed here. The index was very extensive, which will be of interest to scholarly readers. The tone is also very conversational making the facts accessible. Not only is this a history book, but it's also one that depicts the author's personal journey. In the introduction he states his reasons for writing: to help illuminate a period that remains shrouded in mystery. This fits in with his research into the Staffordshire Hoard, and his attempts to discover the secrets behind it.

I read a lot of historical fiction in this era, so reading about the actual history behind some of the figures was informative and enjoyable. Of particular note for me was the chronicling of the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok and how one of the most famous, Ivar the Boneless, got his nickname. In addition to this, there was a plenitude of information on Alfred and his relationship with his brother Aethelred. Most fictional accounts tend to brush past this aspect of the soon to be king's life, and focus on the more dramatic details of his reign instead. To understand a man's history we need to know fully where he came from. Such a thing comes with the socio-political climate depicted here.

So this is a sweeping overview book, one that covers almost four hundred years of history. If at times some sections lapsed into brevity, it was only to ensure that as much of the history could be covered through the book. If you want specific facts about a particular century you may wish to look elsewhere or, if like me, you want to know more about the history of Anglo-Saxons as a whole then this is a good book to start with.

-I received an arc of this book from The Bookbag in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* - Full Review can be found on my blog: https://wheretheresinktherespaper.wor...

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read novels which are set in the so called 'dark ages' of our history and whilst historical fiction authors do a really good job of interpreting time and place, sometimes I get lost, not just in the mists of time, but also without enough background knowledge of my own to draw upon when something puzzles me. So, to have a very readable account of the Anglo-Saxon world is going be a great asset to me.

The author writes well and puts forward his interpretation of the Anglo Saxon world, including his own theories about who did what, to whom and why with competent assurance. Of course, this is an area of which I have no expert knowledge, I'm merely an enthusiastic histfic reader however, I have read and absorbed this author's work with real interest and have found much to enjoy in reading his various interpretations and conclusions. I was particularly interested in the chapter headed Lady of the Mercians in which the author introduced me to Aethelflaed, eldest child of Alfred, and more more importantly told me that she became a powerful female leader in an all too often male dominated world.

The book spans fifteen chapters, which take the reader from early history in a chapter entitled Into the Mists of Oblivion and completes the book, some fifteen chapters later, in a conclusion detailing just how The Anglo-Saxon Legacy continues to live on in all of us, in the patterns of our speech and customs, in our place names and also in our shared heritage.

[Red Dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from needing a little tighter editing in some of its middle sections, this is a very accessible and interesting book, and another worthy attempt to banish the witless term "The Dark Ages" to the dustbin of history. Lots of fascinating insights and interpretations too - of course Normandy was the Danelaw of France; 1066 was the culmination of an invasion process started by Cnut 50 years before, not the beginning; and the Anglo-Saxon legacy goes far beyond physical remains like the brooding symbols of Norman oppression, the castle, but can be found in "flesh and bone and blood, in speech, customs and rituals, the place names of countless towns and villages and fields".

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which presents a very good overview of this era of the history of Britain. I liked the focus on Mercia, such an important kingdom, that sometimes gets undercut by Bede's dislike. I also like that the author, using a large amount of good sources, was willing to make conclusions and conjecture about events in this distant age. Many authors provide the information but do not weave it together so well. I had no issue with the usage of some of myths and legends of this era; besides being entertaining, they are a way to have some insight into the life and attitudes of the people who lived in Anglo-Saxon times.

[Conrad Leibel · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall fun narrative history of the Anglo saxon period right up until the norman invasion. it's pretty funny that he openly notes his "Mercian" take on this history and thinks that is in any way much different from the rest of what has been written. also the portions on Hereward the Wake seem to take too much legend for granted- albeit entertaining reading. overall one of the better introductions out there and highly readable

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise but densely detailed account of this important and fascinating period , and a useful update of classic works on the subject such as that by Sir Frank Stanton. More modern works on the period can be valid and sparse on chronological detail so this is a refreshing change.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Anglo-Saxon history.

[Zubin Mehta-Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a fantastic overview of a people long forgotten but still among us through blood. Highly recommended. We cannot forget the history of these great people!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read - author is rather eccentric which means that things are rarely dull.

[David Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively comprehensive survey of Saxon England with a focus on Mercia.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this different to all other non-fiction Anglo-Saxon books that I've read is that the author presents a lot of his own theories.

His style is lively and accessible to the general reader. Therefore, it may not appeal to anyone looking for hard facts and research material.

[Marcus Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, really well written. Works well as a local history book for me, and I agree with many of the writers theories.

[Elentarri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather superficial military history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms/monarchs in England. This book didn't provide much information on their culture or anything else, other than who invade which kingdom, when and the atrocities committed. While a fair number of colour photos and a few poor maps were included in this book, a time line and genealogy would have been helpful as well. I'm hoping A Brief History of the Anglo-Saxons: The Beginnings of the English Nation provides more information on the Anglo-Saxons other than their wars.