The Written Word in Early Medieval England

von Robert Gallagher

420 Seiten, Hardcover

Kurzbeschreibung des Verlags

This book presents an innovative, holistic examination of the uses of the written word in early medieval England during a century of political and societal upheaval, culminating in the emergence of the kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons under Alfred the Great and his children, Æthelflæd and Edward the Elder. Through a diverse range of documentary, literary and material evidence, Robert Gallagher explains how literary activity during this period - particularly involving members of the laity - has often been underestimated. He focuses on several innovations in documentary culture that took place in the mid-ninth century, which in turn played a significant role in establishing the cultural conditions for Alfredian cultural renewal. The evidence makes clear that limited personal literacy did not pose a barrier to participation in literary activity. This study thus makes a major new contribution to our understanding of England's ninth- and tenth-century history.

• Themen: Geschichte und Archäologie Geschichte Europäische Geschichte
• ISBN: 9781009628877
• Sprache: Englisch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 27.04.2026
• Größe: 235 x 157 mm
• Verlag: Cambridge University Press