An Introduction to Old English

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by Peter Baker

Blackwell Publishers

Due/Published June 2003, 344 pages, paper

ISBN 0631234543

This introduction to the Old English language focuses on what students need to know in order to engage with Old English literary and historical texts. The book assumes no expertise in traditional grammar or in other languages. An opening chapter reviewing basic grammar brings students quickly up to speed, and Quick Start sections at the beginning of later chapters also focus on the basics. Minitexts accompanying most chapters give students practice in reading Old English, while a detailed introduction to poetic meter and style helps them to read poetry. The book as a whole contains more than 200 illustrative quotations, fourteen Old English readings including The Wanderer and The Dream of the Rood , and a comprehensive glossary.