topics: |  language | history | grammar | old-english

This innovative introduction to the Old English language focuses on what
students need to know in order to engage with Old English literary and
historical texts. Designed for a new generation, the book assumes no
expertise in traditional grammar or in other languages. An opening chapter
reviews basic grammar for those who need to be brought up to speed. "Quick
Start" sections begin the major chapters, allowing students to learn the
basics of Old English quickly. "Minitexts" accompanying most chapters give
students practice in reading the language, while a detailed introduction to
poetic meter and style helps them to read poetry. The book as a whole
contains more than 200 illustrative quotations, fourteen Old English
readings including "The Wanderer", "The Dream of the Rood" and "Judith",
and a comprehensive glossary. Supplementary readings and exercises are
available at the Old English Aerobics website
which complements the text.