Product Description

Made up of annals written in the monasteries of Winchester, Canterbury, Peterborough, Abingdon, and Worcester, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle marks the beginning of the unmannered simplicity of English prose. Immediately striking are the accounts of the Danish invasions and the unhappiness of Stephen's reign, together with the lyrical poem on the Battle of Brunanburh. Ranging from the start of the Christian era to 1154, the uniqueness of the chronicle as an historical and literary document makes it of compelling interest throughout. The historical, linguistic and literary importance of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is without parallel.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #216469 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 388 pages

About the Author
Michael Swanton is professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Exeter, and has held visiting professorships at Justus-Liebig Universitat (Germany), and l'Universite de Lausanne (Switzerland). Formerly Editor of the Royal Archaeological Institute, he is Fellow of both the Society of Antiquaries and The Royal Historical Society, and lectures widely on various aspects of early English culture. His extensive publications include translations of the epic poem Beowulf (1978) and a selection of Anglo-Saxon Prose (2nd edition, Everyman, 1993)

Customer Reviews

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle ed. M. Swanton
Cheap, and vital for all students of Anglo-Saxon history. Tricky lay out makes it a poor second to whitelock's edition, where all the versions are laid out side by side, but footnotes are interesting and it is much cheaper than the whitelock ed.

In proper detail
The most complete and faithful reading I have found. Extensive notes draw on the latest evidence of archaeologists and textual / social historians. Includes index, introduction, maps, genealogical tables, and illustrations.

Excellent source if a little awkward to use
A good translation with informative introduction and footnotes. Superb source for Anglo-Saxon history. The layout can be confusing to use but generally sound.