Description
MacMillan Education UK Beginning Old English 2013 Edition by Carole Hough, John Corbett
This basic introduction to Old English is an essential guide for students with little or no linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks on the subject, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation and demonstration of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from simplified Old English texts and showing how many features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language. Beginning Old English- builds up reading skills by using simple texts to support the acquisition of key vocabulary and to develop awareness of language structure- offers an introduction to the conventions of Old English poetry and how they are realised across different genres: religious verse, riddles, elegies and heroic poetry- explores issues in the translation of Old English verse- guides the reader through four major texts: Cynewulf and Cyneheard, Beowulf (extract), The Battle of Maldon and The Dream of the Rood- features activities, glossaries, illustrations and a Further Reading section.Concise and approachable, this invaluable text will appeal to anyone with an interest in the early history of English language and literature. Table of contents :- List of Illustrations.- Acknowledgements.- Preface.- PART I.- Origins.- Recognising Old English Words.- People and Things.- Place, Time, Manner and Reason.- Actions and Events.- Introducing Old English Poetry.- Translating Old English Poetry: Beowulf .- Introducing Old English Prose.- PART II .- Introduction.- Text A: Cynewulf and Cyneheard.- Text B: Beowulf, lines 710-836.- Text C: The Battle of Maldon.- Text D: The Dream of the Rood .- Text E: The Ruin .- Text F: AElfric's Life of St AEthelthryth .- Concluding Remarks.- Glossary of Technical Terms.- Appendix: Old English Paradigms.- Further Reading.- Index.