The Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature

Malcolm Godden is Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford. Michael Lapidge is Elrington and Bosworth Professor Emeritus of Anglo-Saxon, University of Cambridge and Notre Dame Professor of English Emeritus, University of Notre Dame.

• 1. The social and political background Nicholas Brooks; 2. The Old English language Helmut Gneuss; 3. The nature of Old English verse Donald Scragg; 4. The Anglo-Saxon world view Daniel Anlezark; 5. Germanic legend in Old English literature Roberta Frank; 6. Heroic values and Christian ethics Katherine O'Brien O'Keeffe; 7. Pagan survivals and popular belief John D. Niles; 8. Beowulf Andy Orchard; 9. Preaching and teaching Mary Clayton; 10. Perceptions of transience Christine Fell; 11. Perceptions of eternity Milton McC. Gatch; 12. Biblical literature: the Old Testament Malcolm Godden; 13. Biblical literature: the New Testament Richard Marsden; 14. The saintly life in Anglo-Saxon England Michael Lapidge; 15. Literacy and the uses of the vernacular Mechthild Gretsch; 16. The world of Anglo-Saxon learning Patrizia Lendinara; 17. Old English after 1066 Christopher Jones; Further reading; Index.

'Like its predecessor, this Companion is a truly comprehensive work. Considering both the price and the size, it is remarkable how comprehensive a work this is. In addition, this is a truly accessible work; all the contributors, as well as the editors, deserve high praise for their efforts. Particularly useful and comprehensive is the Further reading [section], which closes the volume. This second edition is an improvement on what was already an outstanding work. In this reviewer's opinion, no library should be without [it], given especially the wide public to which it will appeal.' Simone Bacchini, Reference Reviews