Books
Books
Below is a list of books about Anglo-Saxon history, culture, and religion that are recommended. I have included a short review/outline of each to let you know what the book is about. I have all of them in my collection - I won't recommend a book that I don't own. I have omitted many books from this list, either because I don't think their subject matter has enough relevance (many books covering the pre-Christian beliefs of the English make too many assumptions based on what is known of Norse mythology for instance), or I just didn't think it was any good (content wise - if a book is a tough read, but has lots of good information, I will recommend it). I also have translations (from Old English) of Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle available to read on-line.
I'll be adding to this section as and when I obtain new books (that I think are worth recommending), or find new public domain texts to offer on-line.
On-Line Books
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Recommended Reading
A Dictionary Of English Surnames, by P. H. Reaney and R. M. Wilson, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-860092-5. The only surname dictionary you will be likely to need unless you intend to research the origins of very obscure surnames.An Introduction To English Runes, R. I. Page, The Boydell Press, ISBN 0-85115-768-8. This book is essential to those interested in Anglo-Saxon runes.
Anglo-Saxon England, by Sir Frank Stenton, Oxford university Press, ISBN 0-19-282237-3. Part of the Oxford History of England series. This book is the best general history of England, from the first coming of the Germanic tribes, until the Norman conquest. There is great detail on the development of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms over the period, the conversion, and the economy. Highly recommended!
Anglo-Saxon Mythology, Migration & Magic, by Tony Linsell, Anglo-Saxon Books, ISBN 1-898281-09-2. Rather attractive and approachable study. A nice introduction to Anglo-Saxon beliefs. Nice section on runes, with the Anglo-Saxon rune poem.
The Anglo-Saxons, edited by James Campbell, Penguin Books, ISBN 0-14-014395-5. A nice large-format book with plenty of pictures. A reasonable introduction to the period.
Anglo-Saxon Weapons & Warfare, by Richard Underwood, Tempus, ISBN 07524-1412-7. A pretty good book written by a serious re-enactor. Good colour photographs help illustrate it. Good information throughout.
Benet’s Artefacts Of England & The United Kingdom, Paul G. Murawski, Benet’s, ISBN 0-9536172-0-3. Catalogue reference of archaeological artefacts, for all periods of British history.
Beowulf, A Dual Language Edition, translated by Howell D. Chickering, Jr., ISBN 0-385-06213-3. A decent enough translation of the Old English heroic poem Beowulf, but with the added advantage of the translated text being alongside the original Old English.
The Cult Of Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England - The Transition From Paganism To Christianity, by William A. Chaney, Manchester University Press, ISBN 0-7190-0372-5. One of the most important features of pre-Christian Germanic society was the sacral kingship - which features in Beowulf. This book is an excellent study of the sacral kingship, right into the Christian era, where it continued, albeit in a modified form, until 1066.
Dictionary Of Northern Mythology, by Rudolf Simek, Boydell & Brewer, ISBN 0-85991-513-1. Good dictionary covering classical, Norse, Gothic, (but strangely, not Celtic) mythology, as well as Anglo-Saxon.
The English Settlements, by J. N. L. Myres, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-282235-7. The text on the migration of the English peoples into Britain, and the archaeological and historical evidence of such. Excellent argument for the existence of a Germanic population in Britain during the Roman period, and for the Saxon Shore being so called because it was populated by Saxons!
The English Warrior From Earliest Times To 1066, by Stephen Pollington, Anglo-Saxon Books, ISBN 1-898281-10-6. Excellent book! Everyone wants to know about the warriors - well this book tells it all, right down to the binding obligation that a warrior had for a lord he'd sworn to. I cannot recommend this book enough. This book does more to bring the Anglo-Saxon warrior alive than anything done in any media!
First Steps In Old English, by Stephen Pollington, Anglo-Saxon Books, ISBN 1-898281-19-X. Very good... but if only if you have the time to apply yourself. I haven't worked through this book completely, but it's good as far as I've got. It's not an easy ride though!
Gods And Myths Of Northern Europe, by H. R. Ellis Davidson, Penguin, ISBN 0-14-013627-4. This is the work on Anglo-Saxon and Norse pre-Christian belief. Every other book on the subject refers to this one! This is one of those books that you must have if you are interested in the subject.
The Handbook Of British Archaeology, by Lesley Adkins and Roy Adkins, Constable, ISBN 0-09-478330-6. A handy guide to all types of archaeological find for all periods of British history.
The Illustrated Bede, by John Marsden; translation by John Gregory; photography by Geoff Green, Guild Publishing London, ISBN unknown. Reasonable treatment of Bede, who was a late seventh/early eighth century chronicler and historian.
In Search Of The Dark Ages, by Michael Wood, British Broadcasting Corporation, ISBN 0-563-17835-3. One of the books that lead to my interest in Anglo-Saxon history. Excellent attempts to throw light upon several Dark Age characters, including the Sutton Hoo man, Offa, and Alfred the Great.
Kings And Kingdoms Of Early Anglo-Saxon England, Barbara Yorke, Routledge, ISBN 0-415-16639-X. In depth studies of the kings, their kingdoms, and the changing role of kingship throughout the period.
The Origins of Beowulf and the Pre-Viking Kingdom of East Anglia, by Sam Newton, Boydell & Brewer LTD, ISBN 0-85991-472-0. Good argument for the origin of the poem Beowulf being East Anglian. Also a wealth of small details. Not for the casual reader however.
Lords Of Battle, by Stephen S. Evans, Boydell & Brewer, ISBN 0-85115-662-2. Study of the Germanic comitatus or war band - specifically Dark Age Celtic and Anglo-Saxon war bands in Britain. Covers how they were made up, what their function was, and what the complex relationships of obligations that held the band loyal to its leader were.
Lost Gods Of England, by Kathleen Herbert, Anglo-Saxon Books, ISBN 1-898281-047-1. A short work - in fact it's a transcription of a talk! Nice details about the pagan calendar, and a few festivals too.
Oxford Dictionary Of English Place-Names, by A. D. Mills, Oxford university Press, ISBN 0-19-280074-4. Very handy guide to place-names throughout England, including the earliest known date of a given name being in use, and its Old English meaning.
Rites and Religions of the Anglo-Saxons, by Gale R. Owen, Barnes and Noble Books, ISBN 0-88029-046-3. A rather good work recording exactly what is known about Anglo-Saxon belief and religious practice, both Christian, and pre-Christian. Owen tries not to draw too many inferences based on Scandinavian heathen belief (only comparisons), and bases her study on what is known from English sources.
Rudiments of Runelore, by Stephen Pollington, Anglo-Saxon Books, ISBN 1-898281-16-5. If you want to know about the Anglo-Saxon runes, this is the book you want. Does not cover the Northumbrian runes though (I have yet to find a suitable academic work that does).
Runic Inscriptions in Great Britain, by Paul Johnson, Wooden Books, ISBN 1-902418-06-9. Great little book covering runic artefacts found in Great Britain - including where you can see them now.
Spinks Coins Of England And The United Kingdom, Spink, ISBN 1-90- 204022-8. Standard catalogue reference of coins minted or used in the United Kingdom, from the Celtic Iron Age through to the present. Updated yearly.
Sutton Hoo - Burial Ground Of Kings?, by Martin Carver, British Museum Press, ISBN 0-7141-0591-0. Good, but not outstanding book about Sutton Hoo. The best one about it that I've found so far though.
The Sword In Anglo-Saxon England, by Hilda Ellis Davidson, Boydell & Brewer, ISBN 0-85115-716-5. The sword was a very important part of Anglo-Saxon culture - both as a weapon and as a symbol. This book has everything you need to know about swords, from the hilt to the scabbard.
The Warrior's Way - England In The Viking Age, by Stephen Pollington, Blandford, ISBN 0-7137-2120-0. Very good study of Anglo-Saxon society in the Viking Age with the emphasis on warriorship. A good starter to the Viking Age period of English History (because it doesn't concentrate on the vikings). Nice picture (including colour photos) too. Very highly recommended.
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