Introduction to Old English » (22nd Edition)

Peter S. Baker is Professor of Medieval Literature at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. His previous publications include Byrhtferth’s Enchiridion (co-edited with Michael Lapidge, 1995), Beowulf: Basic Readings (1995), The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: A Collaborative Edition (F), and the website www.engl.virginia.edu/OE/

Introduction to Old English is the leading text available designed to help students engage with Old English literary and historical texts for the first time. This new edition builds on the success of the original and includes an expanded anthology and new, easy-to-use glossary.

The book’s rich pedagogy includes basic grammar reviews at the beginning of each major chapter, covering the foundations of Old English. Other features include “minitexts” for practice in reading the language, and a detailed introduction to meter and style that eases the transition from prose to poetry. The original anthology of 14 readings has also been expanded to include four new texts: Ælfric's Sermon on the Book of Job; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle entry (1087) on William the Conqueror; The Voyages of Ohthere and Wulfstan from the Old English Orosius; and The Battle of Maldon.

Introduction to Old English is an essential text for all students encountering the field for the first time.

Library Journal

Baker (medieval literature, Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville; Beowulf: Basic Readings) here provides an excellent introduction to the study of Old English that assumes no knowledge of the traditional grammar. An initial chapter on the Anglo-Saxons and their language is followed by a chapter each on pronunciation and basic grammar; more detailed chapters then treat case, pronouns, nouns, verbs, adjectives, numerals, adverbs, poetic style, paleography, and more. Appendixes deal with spelling variants and phonetic symbols and terms. An anthology of 14 Old English pieces (e.g., The Wanderer, The Dream of the Rood, and Judith), a glossary, references, and suggestions for further reading complete the volume. Although textbookish in design, the book is surprisingly accessible and formatted for ease of use (e.g., most of the chapters begin with a "quick start" of basic principles, followed by more detailed information). In addition, the book is complemented by a practical web site (www.engl.virginia.edu/OE/OEA/), which provides a plethora of exercises and supplementary readings. Although intended mostly for graduate students with "literary or historical rather than linguistic" interests, the book is also accessible to the well-educated reader. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries.-Carolyn M. Craft, Longwood Univ., Farmville, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.