An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon England

This is a lucid, authoritative and well-balanced account of Anglo-Saxon history. The third edition includes a new introduction by Simon Keynes. Between the end of the Roman occupation and the coming of the Normans, England was settled by Germanic races; the kingdom as a political unit was created, heathenism yielded to a vigorous Christian Church, superb works of art were made, and the English language - spoken and written - took its form. These origins of the English heritage are Hunter Blair’s subject. The first two chapters survey Anglo-Saxon England: its wars, its invaders, its peoples and its kings. The remaining chapters deal with specific aspects of its culture: its Church, government, economy and literary achievement. Throughout the author uses illustrations and a wide range of sources - documents, archaeological evidence and place names - to illuminate the period as a whole. For this edition, Simon Keynes has prepared a thoroughly updated bibliography.

• Third edition of this lucid, authoritative and well-balanced account of Anglo-Saxon history • New introduction and updated bibliography by Simon Keynes • A classic book with strong annual sales in paperback

List of illustrations; Preface to the third edition; Introduction: Changing perceptions of Anglo-Saxon history Simon Keynes; 1. The foundations of England; 2. Britain and the Vikings; 3. The Church; 4. Government; 5. Economy; 6. Letters; Select bibliography; Index.

\'… the passage of time has only made more obvious the book\'s remarkable qualities … it remains a heroic achievement.\' Teachers of Old English in Britian and Ireland