The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature (Paperback)

~ Hilda Ellis Davidson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book is an invaluable exploration of the significance of the sword as symbol and weapon in the Anglo-Saxon world, using archaeological and literary evidence. The first part of the book, a careful study of the disposition of swords found in peat bogs, in graves, lakes and rivers, yields information on religious and social practices. The second is concerned with literary sources, especially Beowulf.

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (November 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851157165
• ISBN-13: 978-0851157160
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,190,950 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a weapon, June 15, 2008

By	S. Plowright (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature (Hardcover)

First published in 1962, this is still the most respected text on the sword in the Anglo-Saxon period.

The book includes detailed research about the making of the swords, hilt decoration, blade inscriptions, and the weapon as mentioned in Anglo-Saxon literature. She even goes to the trouble of consulting with modern experts in steelworking to assess the forging techniques and the physical characteristics of the blades.

By the end we have gained a real appreciation of these objects not only as masterpieces of art and technology, but as powerful symbols in Anglo-Saxon culture.

Sweyn
The Rune Primer: A Down to Earth Guide to the Runes

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A primary text., October 13, 2009

By	Prospero "Christoph" (Southwest USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature was originally published in 1962. There have been a number of discoveries since that time, however, Davidson's book is still relevant and a primary text on the subject.

The book is reasonably easy to read and grasp. The author chose to write the book in two parts, one part on morphology and a second on swords in the literature (wills, receipts, etc...). A good bit of space is devoted to pattern welding - a subject often glazed over by other authors. The text is very well researched and cited. Davidson presents a few theories that would eventually prove true, but she avoids stating speculation as fact. Make no mistake, this is a text. Reading it requires an interest in the subject.

Incidentally, Oakshott illustrated the book. He would go on to succeed Davidson as the foremost authority on European swords. His association with Davidson, I suspect, had a hand in that.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explores The Revelations Of Archaeology, Methods Of Sword-Making, And, February 20, 2009

By	Aung Htun "www.amazon.com/shops/ahtun" (1022 1/2 Stophlet St. Fort Wayne IN 46802-4318) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England: Its Archaeology and Literature (Hardcover)

".....
Hilda Ellis Davison EXPLORES THE REVELATIONS OF ARCHAEOLOGY, METHODS OF SWORD-MAING, AND references in Anglo-Saxon....."
[from the frotn flap]