Beowulf and Old Germanic Metre (Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England) [Hardcover]

Geoffrey Russom (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521593409 | ISBN-13: 978-0521593403 | Publication Date: April 13, 1998

This is a clear and accessible account of early Germanic alliterative verse that explains how such verse was treated by the Beowulf poet. There are differences of poetic style between Beowulf and the otherwise similar verse of ancient Scandinavia and continental Europe. Such distinctions have intrigued scholars for over a century, but Russom is the first to provide a systematic explanation of Old English, Old Norse, Old Saxon and Old High German alliterative meters. Russom's results should interest scholars of Old English and related Germanic languages, as well as linguists and those concerned with poetic meter.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the fact that Russom...has made such significant empirical predictios from the relevant generalization is a striking result of what is a remarkable, erudite, and necessary book." C.B. McCully, Journal of Record for Theoretical Linguistics

"...on special topics. I am convinced that this inspiring new theory will...benefit." Dirk Huth, The Medieval Review

"Russom's book is a splendid contribution to our understanding of early Germanic metrical systems and the linguistic rationale for them. That he leaves some questions unanswered, and that he raises a wide range of new ones, is not the least of its virtues." Speculum

Book Description

This is a clear and accessible account of early Germanic alliterative verse which explains how such verse was treated by the Beowulf poet. There are differences of poetic style between Beowulf and the otherwise similar verse of ancient Scandinavia and continental Europe. Such distinctions have intrigued scholars for over a century, but Russom is the first to provide a systematic explanation of Old English, Old Norse, Old Saxon and Old High German alliterative metres. Russom's results should interest scholars of Old English and related Germanic languages, as well as linguists and those concerned with poetic metre.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 247 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521593409
• ISBN-13: 978-0521593403
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,603,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.