An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon England

This third edition includes a new introduction by Simon Keynes and a thoroughly updated bibliography.

Peter Hunter Blair (Author), Simon Keynes (Introduction by)

9780521830850, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 July 2003

440 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.635 kg

'… the passage of time has only made more obvious the book's remarkable qualities … it remains a heroic achievement.' Teachers of Old English in Britian and Ireland

This is a lucid, authoritative and well-balanced account of Anglo-Saxon history. The third edition includes an introduction by Simon Keynes. Between the end of the Roman occupation and the coming of the Normans, England was settled by Germanic races; the kingdom as a political unit was created, heathenism yielded to a vigorous Christian Church, superb works of art were made, and the English language - spoken and written - took its form. These origins of the English heritage are Hunter Blair's subject. The first two chapters survey Anglo-Saxon England: its wars, its invaders, its peoples and its kings. The remaining chapters deal with specific aspects of its culture: its Church, government, economy and literary achievement. Throughout the author uses illustrations and a wide range of sources - documents, archaeological evidence and place names - to illuminate the period as a whole. For this edition, Simon Keynes has prepared a thoroughly updated bibliography.

List of illustrations
Preface to the third edition
Introduction: Changing perceptions of Anglo-Saxon history Simon Keynes
1. The foundations of England
2. Britain and the Vikings
3. The Church
4. Government
5. Economy
6. Letters
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], British & Irish history [HBJD1]