Old English Lives of Saints, Volume II (Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library)

Old English Lives of Saints presents Aelfric’s powerful accounts of saints, written in the 990s amid a turbulent period of Viking attacks in England. In his distinctive alliterative prose, Aelfric portrays a wide range of figures, from virgin martyrs and aristocrats to kings, soldiers, and bishops, offering examples of courage, faith, and sacrifice.

Beyond the saints’ lives, the collection explores ideas about war, society, justice, and moral responsibility. Aelfric composed these stories to complement his Catholic Homilies, providing religious instruction for both clergy and laypeople.

This edition pairs a modern English translation with a newly edited Old English text based on a fresh examination of all surviving manuscripts, making it a valuable introduction to Anglo-Saxon literature, religion, and history.

Details

• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 432
• Dimensions: 5.25 x 1 x 8 inches