The Ruler Portraits of Anglo-Saxon England (Anglo-Saxon Studies) [Hardcover]

Catherine E. Karkov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004 | Series: Anglo-Saxon Studies (Book 3)

Between the reign of Alfred in the late ninth century and the arrival of the Normans in 1066, a unique set of images of kingship and queenship was developed in Anglo-Saxon England, images of leadership that centred on books, authorship and learning rather than thrones, sword and sceptres. Focusing on the cultural and historical contexts in which these images were produced, this book explores the reasons for their development, and their meaning and function within both England and early medieval Europe. It explains how and why they differ from their Byzantine and Continental counterparts, and what they reveal about Anglo-Saxon attitudes towards history and gender, as well as the qualities that were thought to constitute a good ruler. It is argued that this series of portraits, never before studied as a corpus, creates a visual genealogy equivalent to the textual genealogies and regnal lists that are so much a feature of late Anglo-Saxon culture. As such they are an important part of the way in which the kings and queens of early medieval England created both their history and their kingdom.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An extremely rich and rounded piece of research which refuses to take any of its source material lightly. --THe Medieval Review

About the Author

CATHERINE E. KARKOV is Professor of Art, Affiliate in History and Women's Studies Departments, Miami University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843830590
• ISBN-13: 978-1843830597
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,191,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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