In the Foreground: Beowulf

by Eric Gerald Stanley

This is a study of the history of critical approaches to Old English literature. Its special focus is the Old English epic, "Beowulf", but it ranges widely over Old English verse and prose in general, post-Anglo-Saxon English, and numerous critical writings relating to its subject. Professor Stanley explores critical reaction to "Beowulf", and to Old English generally, from the 18th century to the present day, and argues that much of it is based on preconceptions that have no basis in fact. He analyzes the assumptions that lie behind these readings, and points up the slenderness of the evidence which supports them. His own approach is articulated in his comparative study of "Beowulf". Other specific concerns are the means of expression of Old English verse; the diction and figurative language of Old English verse and literary prose; the monastic origins of the extant writings of the Anglo-Saxons; and the centrality of prayer, divine praise and thanksgiving to Anglo-Saxon culture. All quotations are translated. A full index is supplied of scholars and critics, and there is an index of subjects/passages.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1994

About the author

Eric Gerald Stanley FBA, Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor Emeritus of Anglo-Saxon, scholar of Medieval literature who focused on Old English literature; he was Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford 1977–1991.

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study of Beowulf is divided into two sections. The first is called What Is Said of Beowulf, the second is What Is Known of Beowulf.

The first section is reminiscent of Stanley's Imagining The Anglo Saxon Past, collecting passages from works on Beowulf that illustrate scholars misconceptions on the poem and passing comment on them. The second section is a collection of musings by Stanley on the dating of Beowulf and an exploration of the poetic style of the poem.

Eric Stanley was a pupil of Tolkien and was also Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford. This work on Beowulf and Imagining The Anglo Saxon Past have gained him something of a cult status amongst those interested in Anglo Saxon studies, a reputation based on his healthy skepticism and humorous comments.