"He tells [the] story in a fresh and appealing way, by focusing on close readings of key texts, for their literary qualities as much as historical detail, and including some unexpected selections. In keeping the style light and the pace lively, the book is well suited to a general audience or to students coming to the period for the first time, from whatever disciplinary perspective they approach, and is sure to entice many of its readers to further study of medieval history and literature." -- The Medieval Review "A useful contribution . its most attractive feature is the wide range of both Latin and vernacular literature Atherton discusses, finding significance and interest in texts that might have been thought too esoteric to set before non-specialists . the chronological lists at the beginning of each chapter, giving dates of the events mentioned, are an excellent idea." -- Parergon "[This book] is a truly interdisciplinary cultural history, covering literature, language, history and landscape studies, and is one that will be accessible to all stages of undergraduate students and members of the general public looking for an engaging introduction to the Anglo-Saxon period . Through its engaging style and creative approach, Atherton's book really comes alive and tempts the reader to imagine life in the Anglo-Saxon world." -- English Studies.