"In this fascinating and highly readable book, Mark Atherton discusses 'The Battle of Maldon', one of the most famous of all poems to survive from early medieval England, providing an insightful analysis of its Old English text, and situating it in its proper late tenth-century historical and literary context. An extremely informative and engaging contribution." -- David Woodman, Senior Tutor and Fellow of Robinson College, Cambridge, UK "A work of devoted scholarship and a treasure trove for research into the history and literature of the Anglo-Saxons, Atherton offers a model of how to read a single poem with reference to its exact language as well as to the fine grain of topography, social history, religious observance, and related matters from falconry to friendship. This book should be welcomed by students and specialists alike." -- John D. Niles, Professor Emeritus of Humanities, University of Wisconsin Madison, USA "This book has transformed my understanding of a poem I've been teaching for years. It is essential new reading for specialists and students of Old English literature, yet it is also written to appeal to any reader with an interest in English history, language, and landscape. I'll be adding it to my syllabus and also recommending it to family and friends.

" -- Hannah M. Bailey, Lecturer in English Literature and Language, University of Oxford, UK.