Product Description

The seventh edition of this popular introduction to Old English language and literature retains the general structure and style of previous editions, but has been updated, and includes two new, much–requested texts: the Cotton Gnomes and Wulfstan’s Sermo Lupia ad Anglos – and two new appendices: A List of Linguistic Terms Used in This Book and The Moods of Old English.

• Provides a range of helpful pedagogical tools: a map of Anglo–Saxon England, notes, a glossary, indexes to Part I, and a general introduction to Anglo–Saxon studies.
  
• Contains a special "How to Use this Guide" section, to aid both self–study and classroom use.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79209 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

From the Back Cover
For more than 30 years, A Guide to Old English has been the standard introduction to Old English language and literature. This updated seventh edition retains the structure and style of the popular previous editions, and includes two new, much–requested texts – the Cotton Gnomes and Wulfstan’s Sermo Lupi ad Anglos – and two new appendices: A List of Linguistic Terms Used in This Book and The Moods of Old English.

The book is composed of two parts. Part One presents an introduction to the Old English language, including orthography and pronunciation, inflexions, word formation, and an authoritative section on syntax. This is followed by an introduction to Anglo–Saxon studies, which discusses language, literature, history, archaeology, and ways of life. Sound–changes are treated as they become relevant in understanding apparent irregularities in inflexion. Part Two contains prose and verse texts, most of them complete, which fully reveal the range that Old English offers in subject matter, style, and emotional intensity. Full explanatory notes accompany all the texts, and a detailed glossary is provided.

The new edition of this highly–acclaimed Guide is an essential reference for anyone wanting to gain a greater understanding and enjoyment of the language and literature of the Anglo–Saxons.

About the Author
Bruce Mitchell is Fellow Emeritus at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.

Fred C. Robinson is Douglas Tracy Smith Professor Emeritus of English at Yale University.

Customer Reviews

Classic Language Course
Mitchell & Robinson have educated generations of students in the delights of Anglo-Saxon, and their textbook (now into its 5th edition) is widely recognised as the classic work on the subject.
Their approach to the language is a bit intimidating at first - new students will be a little concerned to see the way in which words and phrases like 'orthography' and 'derived paradigms' are bandied around. However, once you get into their teaching style, learning the language becomes a dynamic process. The authors emphasise that the course is designed for students who are working on their own, without the assistance of a teacher or classroom study - although the text is widely used in colleges.
Well laid out, the authors take you through pronunciation, the parsing of sentences and grammatical structure, helping you build a vocabulary and initial competence in translation. The second half of the book moves from grammar into a series of passages for translation. A limited vocabulary is provided at the rear.
All in all, a substantial piece of scholarship, a language course which has more than stood the test of time, and a learning system which you can approach at your own pace if you are working on your own. An essential tool for scholars of English and the Anglo-Saxon invasion.

Classic Language Course
Mitchell & Robinson have educated generations of students in the delights of Anglo-Saxon, and their textbook (now into its 5th edition) is widely recognised as the classic work on the subject.
Their approach to the language is a bit intimidating at first - new students will be a little concerned to see the way in which words and phrases like 'orthography' and 'derived paradigms' are bandied around. However, once you get into their teaching style, learning the language becomes a dynamic process. The authors emphasise that the course is designed for students who are working on their own, without the assistance of a teacher or classroom study - although the text is widely used in colleges.
Well laid out, the authors take you through pronunciation, the parsing of sentences and grammatical structure, helping you build a vocabulary and initial competence in translation. The second half of the book moves from grammar into a series of passages for translation. A limited vocabulary is provided at the rear.
All in all, a substantial piece of scholarship, a language course which has more than stood the test of time, and a learning system which you can approach at your own pace if you are working on your own. An essential tool for scholars of English and the Anglo-Saxon invasion.

this book will turn you into a genius
This book is for students and historians alike. It has so many good qualities........ This book's glossary is fantastic. In Old English, as you're going through those texts, you'll come across the really odd, wierd, twisted subjunctives and past forms that (to be honest) only Old English could have. This book not only has these forms in the glossary, but it tells you what part of speech their in, and what the infinitive is. Translating takes half the time. Stress goes out of the window! This really helps you remember the irregular forms. The Glossary also refers back into the book. Here sections are v. clearly marked, and the grammar is clearly explained. Even if you're not into translating, it's a great historical reference book!