Dimensions
129 x 198 x 15mm
Saints' lives and herbal remedies, rousing sermons and the first love story every written in English have been handed down through generations of storytellers, and the popular tales of Anglo-Saxon England herald the birth of a national literature in which the language of the people, rather than the Latin of scholars, came into its own. Written down by kings, scribes and saints, these tales are a rich cross-section of early English life.
Stories of saints were favourite subjects for these early writers and 'The Life of Saint Guthlac' presents an often humorous account of the trials and tribulations endured by a moody young nobleman converted to the contemplative life of an eighth-century hermit in East Anglia.
Great figures of the past and their brave deeds were also King Alfred's inspiration when he embarked on his series of translations of historical and philosophical works. These include 'Two Northern Voyages', a vivid account of seafarers' adventures in the Arctic North. Practical matters are covered by the herbal remedies prescribed in 'Bald's Leechbook', and by advice to estate managers, whilst the love story of 'Apollonius of Tyre' is a forerunner of the great medieval romances.
A unique collection, with introduction and notes.
