The Written Word in Early Medieval England by Robert Gallagher

The Written Word in Early Medieval England by Robert Gallagher

This book presents an innovative, holistic examination of the uses of the written word in early medieval England during a century of political and societal upheaval, culminating in the emergence of the kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons under Alfred the Great and his children, Æthelflæd and Edward the Elder. Through a diverse range of documentary, literary and material evidence, Robert Gallagher explains how literary activity during this period – particularly involving members of the laity – has often been underestimated. He focuses on several innovations in documentary culture that took place in the mid-ninth century, which in turn played a significant role in establishing the cultural conditions for Alfredian cultural renewal. The evidence makes clear that limited personal literacy did not pose a barrier to participation in literary activity. This study thus makes a major new contribution to our understanding of England's ninth- and tenth-century history.

Robert Gallagher is Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History at the University of Kent. He is the author of numerous academic articles, and co-editor, with Edward Roberts and Francesca Tinti, of The Languages of Early Medieval Charters (2021).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781009628877
ISBN 10	1009628879
Title	The Written Word in Early Medieval England
Author	Robert Gallagher
Series	Cambridge Studies In Medieval Life And Thought: Fourth Series
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2026-05-31
Number of pages	350
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.