Sharon Turner (1768-1847) practised as a solicitor in London, specialising in the law of copyright, but devoted his free time to studying Anglo-Saxon literature and history. In 1799-1805 he published this four-volume work, still acknowledged as a turning point in Anglo-Saxon studies and a benchmark in historiography. Turner was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1800, soon after the first volume appeared. His approach of contrasting 'Anglo-Saxon freedom' with 'the Norman yoke' held particular appeal at a time of deteriorating political relations with France. Turner's lasting achievement, however, was to draw public attention to the rich and fascinating material contained in the Anglo-Saxon manuscripts he had studied at the British Museum. This work went through many editions, but was eventually superseded by Kemble's The Saxons in England (1849, also reissued). Volume 4 (1805) is a survey of Anglo-Saxon culture, including domestic life, law, religion, and literature.

Book Information
ISBN 9781108082044
Author Sharon Turner
Format Paperback
Page Count 536
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 250g