The Anglo-Saxon state

by James Campbell

Paper Book, 2000

Status

Available

Call number

942.01/7

Tags

Anglo-Saxons, Norse and Germanic Studies, Europe, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Politics

Genres

Collection

Greg

Publication

London ; New York : Hambledon and London, 2000.

Description

In this major survey, three distinguished historians produce an exciting introduction to the field. Although the "Lost Centuries" between AD400 and 600 suffer from a scarcity of written sources, and only two writers, King Alfred and the Venerable Bede, dominate our understanding of later times, the authors have created a rich and thought-provoking account of the stormy era when Britain became Christian and sustained several waves of Viking invaders. A single nation, they suggest, slowly emerged from the rivalries and fluctuating fortunes of separate kingdoms like Mercia, Wessex and East Anglia. Major figures such as Offa, Alfred, Edgar and Cnut are discussed in detail, while the stunning illustrations convey the immense achievements of Anglo-Saxon centuries were 'simply a barbarous prelude to better things'.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member philae_02
The Penguin History of the Anglo-Saxons was very informative. James Campbell, and his fellow colleagues, wrote extensively about the political, economic, and religious enhancements that the Anglo-Saxons are attributed to during their 600 year long occupation in Britain. From the decline of the
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 Roman Empire (and their presence in Britain) the Britons had to turn to the Germanic mercenaries of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes for protection from the hoards of Picts and Scots from Scotland. After their welcome to Britain, those Germanic tribes settled and intermingled in with the local community. It took roughly 200 years for the Anglo-Saxons to "get on their feet" (so to speak) but eventually, Britain became a bustling center for trade and respect. Even the great Charlemagne wrote letters to the king of Mercia, Offa, to discuss their successful trade ventures. The Vikings, which should not be characterized as a barbarous hoard -- we really only have the written accounts of the churchmen they attacked because the Vikings were largely illiterate. With the Vikings, Britain became united under Alfred (king of Northumbria) and everything started to become much what we know of -- at least until the Norman invasion in 1066. That really ended the Anglo-Saxon era. What happened to them? Most died in the Battle of Hastings, others died in rebellions, some moved up north to Scotland, or some just left the country entirely. But regardless of them leaving, the Anglo-Saxons really brought Britain back from the brink of despair (which was caused by the Romans up and abandoning them) and transformed it into a thriving community.
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LibraryThing member jontseng
An excellent synthesis of scholarship and accessibility. Notable for its breadth of sources, particular reference to artefacts which survive from the period.

Subjects

Anglo-Saxons
England Civilization To 1066
Great Britain Politics and government 449-1066

Awards

Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Introductory Reading Lists by University of Cambridge

Language

English

Original publication date

1982

Physical description

xxix, 290 p.; 24 cm

ISBN

1852851767 / 9781852851767

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