A comprehensive introduction to Old English, combining simple, clear philology with the best literary works to provide a compelling and accessible beginners’ guide.

• Provides a comprehensive introduction to Old English
• Uses a practical approach suited to the needs of the beginning student
• Features selections from the greatest works of Old English literature, organized from simple to more challenging texts to keep pace with the reader
• Includes a discussion of Anglo-Saxon literature, history, and culture, and a bibliography directing readers to useful publications on the subject
• Updated throughout with new material including the first 25 lines from Beowulf with detailed annotation and an explanation of Grimm’s and Verner’s laws

Fred C. Robinson is  Douglas Tracy Smith Professor Emeritus at Yale University. He is a Fellow and past President of the Medieval Academy of America, and has received many honors. He has written extensively on Beowulf, Old English, and English and American literature and language of all periods.
 
Bruce Mitchell is late Fellow Emeritus of St. Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.