Old Age in Early Medieval England
Title Details

288 Pages

23.4 x 15.6 cm

8 b/w illus.

Series: Anglo-Saxon Studies

Series Vol. Number: 33

Imprint: Boydell Press

Old Age in Early Medieval England

A Cultural History

by Thijs Porck

  • Description
  • Contents
  • Author
  • Reviews
First full-length study of the notion and concept of old age in early medieval England.

How did Anglo-Saxons reflect on the experience of growing old? Was it really a golden age for the elderly, as has been suggested? This first full survey of the Anglo-Saxon cultural conceptualisation of old age, as manifested and reflected in the texts and artwork of the inhabitants of early medieval England, presents a more nuanced and complicated picture. The author argues that although senescence was associated with the potential for wisdom and pious living, the Anglo-Saxons also anticipated various social, psychological and physical repercussions of growing old. Their attitude towards elderly men and women - whether they were saints, warriors or kings - was equally ambivalent.
Multidisciplinary in approach, this book makes use of a wide variety of sources, ranging from the visual arts to hagiography, homiletic literature and heroic poetry. Individual chapters deal with early medieval definitions ofthe life cycle; the merits and drawbacks of old age as represented in Anglo-Saxon homilies and wisdom poetry; the hagiographic topos of elderly saints; the portrayal of grey-haired warriors in heroic literature; Beowulf asa mirror for elderly kings; and the cultural roles attributed to old women.
Introduction
Definitions of Old Age
Merits of Old Age
Drawbacks of Old Age
frode fyrnwitan: Old Saints in Anglo-Saxon Hagiography
hare hilderincas: Old Warriors in Anglo-Saxon England
ealde eðelweardas: Beowulf as a Mirror of Elderly Kings
gamole geomeowlan: Old Women in Anglo-Saxon England
Conclusion
Bibliography

Thijs Porck is University Lecturer in Medieval English at Leiden University. He has published on Old English textual criticism, Beowulf, old age, medievalism, and J. R. R. Tolkien.

"A detailed and interesting cultural study, which provides a useful model for studies of later periods." FACHRS NEWSLETTER
"Combining good judgment with ample learning in both Germanic philology and intellectual history, Porck has produced a valuable contribution to knowledge that is as stimulating as it is rigorous." MODERN PHILOLOGY
"A pleasure to read. Highly recommended." CHOICE

Paperback

9781783276349

June 2021

Buy

£25.99 / $37.95

Shipping Options

Buy Ships within 2 business days

Buy

Purchasing options are not available in this country.

Ebook (EPDF)

9781787444690

February 2019

Buy

£24.99 / $29.95

Hardcover

9781783273751

February 2019

Buy

$115.00 / £80.00

Shipping Options

Buy Ships within 2 business days

Buy

Purchasing options are not available in this country.

Title Details

288 Pages

2.34 x 1.56 cm

8 b/w illus.

Series: Anglo-Saxon Studies

Series Vol. Number: 33

Imprint: Boydell Press