Title
The Sword in AngloSaxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
The Sword is closely associated with all that was most significant in a man's life in the AngloSaxon world: family ties, loyalty to a lord, the duties of a king, the excitement of battle, the attainment of manhood, and the last funeral rites. Hilda Ellis Davidson explores the revelations of archaeology, methods of swordmaking, and references in AngloSaxon poetry and Old Norse sagas to reveal a past where the sword was of supreme importance, as a weapon and as a symbol. She restores a vital dimension to Old English literature, and endows those few surviving swords in museums with a real glamour and magic.She shows that for a fuller understanding of AngloSaxon poetry it is important to have due regard to the warrior culture from which it sprang, and of the potent part played by the sword within that culture. Much can be learnt from surviving swords and from the context in which they are discovered. Careful study of the disposition of swords found in peat bogs in Denmark, and in graves, lakes and rivers in the British Isles, yields information on religious and social practices. The swords themselves, and their decoration, reveal the technical skill and cultural achievements of the people who wielded them.To read Beowolf is to be immediately aware of the aura of magical power the poet vested in the sword, and Hilda Ellis Davidson's other concern in this book is to look at literary sources for what they reveal of the quality of a good sword and its significance in AngloSaxon and Viking societies for Viking raiders played as important a part as AngloSaxon colonists in the history of early medieval Britain. A survey of the sword in AngloSaxon historical records and poetry is followed by an exploration of descriptions of the sword, and of the parts of the sword, in Old Norse literature. The real world of the AngloSaxons is brought into dramatic closefocus through this thorough study of the physical remains and literary memorials of a highlycharged symbol.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England'? A: The book explores the significance of swords in Anglo-Saxon culture, examining their role in family ties, loyalty, and social practices, as well as their representation in literature and archaeology.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson, a scholar known for her work on Anglo-Saxon literature and archaeology.
- Q: What type of book is 'The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England'? A: It is a hardcover book that falls under the category of archaeology, specifically focusing on Anglo-Saxon history and culture.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains 286 pages.
- Q: Is this book a new or used copy? A: This listing is for a new copy of the book.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on January 1, 1994.
- Q: What can I learn about swords from this book? A: Readers can learn about the archaeological findings, cultural significance, and literary references related to swords in Anglo-Saxon and Viking societies.
- Q: Does the book provide insights into sword-making techniques? A: Yes, it discusses methods of sword-making and the technical skills involved in crafting swords during the Anglo-Saxon period.
- Q: What literary sources does the book reference? A: The book references Old English poetry, such as Beowulf, as well as Old Norse sagas to illustrate the cultural importance of swords.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of this book available? A: Yes, this is a reprinted edition of 'The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England'.