1066

The folks on that Island first called Albion would never be the same after the year 1066 AD.  It was perhaps the most feared warriors of the day, that came from a fairly small geographic area, and took control of this land.   The Normans they were called.

David Howarth in his book presents this year from January 4th (1066) to New Year's Eve.  He writes in his introduction to the book "...is not meant to be read as a work of scholarship, only as an evocation of the excitement, pleasures and miseries of that year...".  He mostly uses sources that were written within living memory of 1066.  Maps and diagrams include the genealogies of the early Kings of England and Denmark, and the Dukes of Normandy. [For the genealogist in you.]   The earldoms of England in 1066 and the invasion routes are shown.   Stamford Bridge, the Sussex coast, and the battle of Hastings are also given.  Published 1978 by The Viking Press, it is a fun read for those interested in this year...1066.

Prose and Poems

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?  The last post gave a reference that presented these folks from the view of the archaeologist .  This text by Kevin Crossley-Holland gives a view from the literature and art of the Anglo-Saxons.   Poems, manuscripts, prose, sculpture, jewellery and architecture are all included.

First published 1975 by The Seabury Press, NY,  it contains a large number of illustrations, prints, and pictures of the Anglo-Saxon mind.  Its contents are presented in the topics: WAR, DAILY LIFE, and RELIGION.

My favorite expression from an old Norse proverb:

       "One thing I know never dies nor changes, the reputation of a dead man." [p.61]

As Beowulf would say :  "...many a fine sight for those who have eyes to see such things."