The History of the Anglo-Saxons

Published 1799–1805, this four-volume work was a benchmark in Anglo-Saxon studies, drawing on manuscripts in the British Museum.

Sharon Turner (Author)

9781108082013, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 March 2018

422 pages, 1 map
21.7 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.53 kg

Sharon Turner (1768–1847) practised as a solicitor in London, specialising in the law of copyright, but devoted his free time to studying Anglo-Saxon literature and history. In 1799–1805 he published this four-volume work, still acknowledged as a turning point in Anglo-Saxon studies and a benchmark in historiography. Turner was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1800, soon after the first volume appeared. His approach of contrasting 'Anglo-Saxon freedom' with 'the Norman yoke' held particular appeal at a time of deteriorating political relations with France. Turner's lasting achievement, however, was to draw public attention to the rich and fascinating material contained in the Anglo-Saxon manuscripts he had studied at the British Museum. This work went through many editions, but was eventually superseded by Kemble's The Saxons in England (1849, also reissued). Volume 1 (1799) covers Anglo-Saxon history up to the death of Egbert, King of Wessex, in 839.

Preface
Part I: 1 The origin of the Saxons
2. Description of the country inhabited by the Saxons
3. Circumstances favourable to the increase of the Saxon power
4. The application of the Saxons to maritime expeditions
5. The league of the Saxons with other states
6. Their general character
7. Sequel to their history to the period of the English invasion
8. The history of Britain from the death of Maximus in 388 to the arrival of the Saxons in 449
9. The period between the departure of the Romans and the invasion of the Saxons
Part II: 1. The arrival of Hengist
2. The peoples that established themselves in Britain
3. On the existing works of the British bards
4. The conflicts between the Britons and the Anglo-Saxons
5. Arthur, as he appears in tradition
6. The history of the Anglo-Saxon octarchy to the victory of Oswald over Cadwallon
7. Continuation of the history of the octarchy to the death of Ina
8. The history of the octarchy from the death of Ina to the ascension of Egbert
9. A view of the state of Europe at the accession of Egbert
10. The reign of Egbert.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]