Heathen Gods in Old English Literature (Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England) [Hardcover]

Richard North (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521551838 | ISBN-13: 978-0521551830 | Publication Date: January 13, 1998 | Edition: First

Richard North offers a complete revision of our view of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian paganism and mythology in the pre-Viking and Viking age. He discusses the pre-Christian gods of Bede's history of the Anglo-Saxon conversion with reference to a god known as Ingui. Using expert knowledge of comparative literary material from Old Norse-Icelandic and other Old Germanic languages, North reconstructs the slender Old English evidence in an imaginative and original treatment of poems such as "Deor" and "The Dream of the Rood."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Heathen Gods in Old English Literature is a clever book, packed full of interesting data and provocative speculations, bristling with erudition. For its part, Cambridge University Press has, as usual, produced a good-looking and well-proofread book....North has undisputed integrative talent, imagination, and intellecual courage. His book is filled with astute observations, inspired guesses and exciting analyses." Oren Falk, Envoi

Book Description

Richard North offers a complete revision of our view of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian paganism and mythology in the pre-Viking and Viking age. He discusses the pre-Christian gods of Bede's history of the Anglo-Saxon conversion with reference to a god known as Ingui. Using expert knowledge of comparative literary material from Old Norse-Icelandic and other Old Germanic languages, North reconstructs the slender Old English evidence in an imaginative and original treatment of poems such as 'Deor' and 'The Dream of the Rood'.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; First edition (January 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521551838
• ISBN-13: 978-0521551830
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,538,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most vital book on the subject in fifty years, August 14, 2004

By 

jonathan pressley (New Orleans) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heathen Gods in Old English Literature (Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England) (Hardcover)

North has done something no author has done with regard to his subject in far too long; he actually took the time to look into it and put forth his own thoughts instead of regurgitating the works of others. (Most notably Stanley's "search for AS paganism") Just when I thought there was little ground left to break on the subject, along comes North's book and challenges long held and long overlooked aspects of Anglo Saxon pagan belief. From the onset of the book to the final chapter on Paulinus and the Stultus Error (which is brilliant I would like to add)I did not set this book down once. A must have for the student of Anglo Saxon culture and Theodisc Heathens alike. Brilliant work from a brilliant scholar. Wes thu Peter North hal!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars North nails it!, March 31, 2009

By 

Markus Kraft (Central Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heathen Gods in Old English Literature (Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England) (Paperback)

North has done his homework and put together a truly educational journey through history and literature. North clears the way to better understanding of the old Gods, their roots and the language used on the continent and in Anglo-Saxon England. He demonstrates how early historians and writers re-mapped and influenced so much of what modern scholars and Heathens hold dear by the way of Icelandic poems, sagas and other early writings. (Beowulf included) After reading this your eye and ear will be more the keener to any text you digest in your studies of Northern ways and history. If you are among the Vanir, this is a must read. If Woden is of interest to you, this is a must read. This book is indispensable.
Yes, pricey. Worth every dollar.