bookwarm_220's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
Well-organized, composed and literate explanation of the Anglo-Saxon festivals of the year, and how they weave together seasonal activities of agricultural society with the religious saints and ceremonies of the new religion, while assimilating ancient pagan practice. Fascinating study of the function of the calendar to agricultural and religious life. The bonus that made this a work of inspiration was the incorporation of Anglo-Saxon poetry, which proved a lovely surprise that added emotional depth and complexity. A rewarding read and much will stay with me.
polarbear31's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
lokster71's review
5.0
I found this a fascinating read. Not just for its insight's into how the Anglo-Saxon year ran, but for the literature it introduces you to. I've read Beowulf but there were quotes from many other poems and works that made me want to take a deep dive into Anglo-Saxon literature.*
It is a book that does what its subtitle suggests. It takes us on a journey through the Anglo-Saxon year. Starting with winter and ending with autumn. Parker admits that what the Anglo-Saxon year looked like before Christianity is hard to piece together. Some of the evidence is there, some educated guesses can be made via Bede and other sources but a lot is lost. But the important dates in the Christian calendar give a structure to the year which is familiar to people even now. We still celebrate Easter and Christmas, but with - most of us - having lost our links to agriculture a lot has slipped into the cultural archives. Known perhaps by name, but not marked or celebrated by the majority of us. Are Harvest Festivals still a thing?
Parker's choice of illustrative quotes though makes you want to read more. The Winter chapter is particularly vivid with crisp and crackling winter poetry, but every section has its fair share. I really want to read some of them now. The quotes shore up her explanation of how the year runs, what is important and how Christianity weaves itself into everything. I'm intrigued with how the Anglo-Saxons saw trees now, for example and Parker's bibliography - and hurrah for a bibliography, which isn't always a certainty in modern non-fiction - directs me to a book on Trees in Anglo-Saxon culture, which I'm going to have to get my hands on.
I read this on Libby, but I'm going to get a hard copy to read again. It also dovetails nicely with 'Going to Church in Medieval England' by Nicholas Orme. Orme's book is broader but there's a section in it that deals with the Church year. Orme's book mostly covers a later period too so this makes a good prequal.**
This is a well-written, well-researched piece of history. My first 5 star book of 2023.
*On a side note this book makes Tolkien's use of Anglo-Saxon literature as one of his main influence so obvious. Even if you already know it. Not just names and stories but how he adapts their culture in more general terms.
**Yes, I know that's a dumb use of that word.
It is a book that does what its subtitle suggests. It takes us on a journey through the Anglo-Saxon year. Starting with winter and ending with autumn. Parker admits that what the Anglo-Saxon year looked like before Christianity is hard to piece together. Some of the evidence is there, some educated guesses can be made via Bede and other sources but a lot is lost. But the important dates in the Christian calendar give a structure to the year which is familiar to people even now. We still celebrate Easter and Christmas, but with - most of us - having lost our links to agriculture a lot has slipped into the cultural archives. Known perhaps by name, but not marked or celebrated by the majority of us. Are Harvest Festivals still a thing?
Parker's choice of illustrative quotes though makes you want to read more. The Winter chapter is particularly vivid with crisp and crackling winter poetry, but every section has its fair share. I really want to read some of them now. The quotes shore up her explanation of how the year runs, what is important and how Christianity weaves itself into everything. I'm intrigued with how the Anglo-Saxons saw trees now, for example and Parker's bibliography - and hurrah for a bibliography, which isn't always a certainty in modern non-fiction - directs me to a book on Trees in Anglo-Saxon culture, which I'm going to have to get my hands on.
I read this on Libby, but I'm going to get a hard copy to read again. It also dovetails nicely with 'Going to Church in Medieval England' by Nicholas Orme. Orme's book is broader but there's a section in it that deals with the Church year. Orme's book mostly covers a later period too so this makes a good prequal.**
This is a well-written, well-researched piece of history. My first 5 star book of 2023.
*On a side note this book makes Tolkien's use of Anglo-Saxon literature as one of his main influence so obvious. Even if you already know it. Not just names and stories but how he adapts their culture in more general terms.
**Yes, I know that's a dumb use of that word.
lilyspunner's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0