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)

9781108082020, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 March 2018

430 pages
21.8 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 This work went through many editions, but was eventually superseded by Kemble's The Saxons in England (1849, also reissued).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 2 (1801) covers the period from 839 to the death of King Alfred in 899.

Preface
Introduction
Part III: 1. The political state of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, in the eighth and ninth centuries
2. The sea-kings and Vikings of the north
3. The first aggression of the Northmen on the Anglo-Saxons
4. The reign of Ethelwulph, and the invasions of the Northmen to the birth of Alfred
5. The birth of Alfred
6. The reign of Ethelbald
7. The reign of Ethelbald, and Alfred's education
8. The expeditions of Ragnar Lodbrog, and his death in Northumbria
9. The reign of Ethelred, and the actions of Ragnar Lodbrog in England
Part IV: 1. The reign of Alfred from his accession to his retirement
2. Alfred becomes a fugitive
3. His conduct during his seclusion
4. His restoration
5. The actions of Hastings, and his invasions of England
6. Alfred's victories and death
Part V: 1. Alfred's intellectual character
2. Alfred's moral character
3. Alfred's public conduct.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]