Includes bibliographical references (p. 195-211) and index.
Contents:
Chapter 1. Approaching Anglo-Saxon literature -- chapter 2. Developing literary traditions -- chapter 3. Varieties of narrative -- chapter 4. Belief, knowledge, experience: some non-narrative strands -- chapter 5. Anglo-Saxon afterlives, medieval to modern: later uses and appropriations of Anglo-Saxon writings -- Appendix: resources for studying Anglo-Saxon literature.
Summary:
"An approachable and stimulating introduction to Anglo-Saxon literature, this book provides indispensable guidance for students on this important and rewarding area of literary studies. The chapters are clearly organised by topic and significant attention is paid to key individual works, including Beowulf, The Seafarer and writings by Bede. All textual quotations are translated into modern English, with the original language texts carefully explained. The Introduction synthesises and develops dominant approaches to Anglo-Saxon literature today, integrating Old English and Latin traditions, and placing the literature in larger historical and theoretical contexts. The structure, style and layout is attractive and user-friendly, including illustrative figures and textboxes, and Magennis provides guidance on resources for studying Anglo-Saxon literature, informing the reader of opportunities for investigating the subject further. Overall, the book enables a thorough understanding and appreciation of artful and eloquent works from a distant past, which still speak powerfully to people today"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.