The Anglo-Saxon World An Anthology

As someone who knew very little of the Dark Age/Early Middle Ages world that the Anglo-Saxons lived in, I can safely say that this is the best introduction I could have looked for. It is not a direct historical/chronological work, but it is not supposed to be that. What it is is a fantastic journey through the history, culture, religion and literature of the Anglo-Saxons, including some fantastic battle poems like the Battle of Maldon, one of the greatest epics ever put down (Beowulf) and some truly beautiful poems (Deor, The Wanderer, The Seafarer etc etc). I cannot praise this book enough. It is easy to read and truly fascinating. Once you've got this I'd suggest the Penguin history of the Anglo-Saxons to give you a context for these great works!

This is one of my favourite books. I dip into it again and again. Kevin Crossley-Holland's translations are lively and very readable. I absolutely adore the poems, in particular The Battle of Maldon (Byrhtwold, how I love you!), The Wanderer, The Ruin and, of course, Beowulf. There is a lovely mix of poems, letters, charters, riddles, sermons, charms and remedies. Want to get rid of a wart? Look no further. There is a charm for it here. Also a salve to get rid of elves. I will bear it in mind if I am ever plagued by elves.

Read some of this author's work back at university for my dissertation many years ago so I have enjoyed picking up his writing again. Returning to study literature once more after a long break from academia and this period is relatively new to me so I've found the book accessible and very useful. It gives an engaging overview of the literature of the time and an insight into the milieu of the Anglo-Saxon world which supports your understanding of the texts in translation.

Beeing a very proud Englishman and having read a lot of history the Anglo Saxons have evaded me until I read this book , Bede and characters like him are truely brought to life a very good read however a hard read.

Love this book it has some really interesting stories and poems.

Understanding our history

Bought for my son, who will be taking up a teaching post in September. He found it a very interesting read, he would recommend this. Thank you.

Really cracking anthology of poems, riddles, wills, etc etc. Bit of a miscellany which was pleasantly surprising. Excellent translation of Beowulf.