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

Old English Lives of Saints presents Aelfric’s vivid accounts of saints, written in the 990s during a turbulent period of Viking attacks in England. Composed in his distinctive alliterative prose, these stories feature a wide range of figures, including martyrs, kings, soldiers, bishops, and ordinary people whose faith and courage served as examples for a late Anglo-Saxon audience.

Alongside stories of devotion and sacrifice, Aelfric explores broader questions about war, society, justice, and eternal punishment. The collection was designed to complement his Catholic Homilies and was intended for both clergy and lay readers.

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

Details

• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 416
• Dimensions: 5.25 x 1 x 8 inches