(Re-)Reading Bede

The Ecclesiastical History in Context

Nonfiction, History, Medieval, British
Cover of the book (Re-)Reading Bede by N.J. Higham, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: N.J. Higham ISBN: 9781134260645
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 22, 2006
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: N.J. Higham
ISBN: 9781134260645
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 22, 2006
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Bede's Ecclesiastical History is the most important single source for early medieval English history. Without it, we would be able to say very little about the conversion of the English to Christianity, or the nature of England before the Viking Age.

Bede wrote for his contemporaries, not for a later audience, and it is only by an examination of the work itself that we can assess how best to approach it as a historical source. N.J. Higham shows, through a close reading of the text, what light the Ecclesiastical History throws on the history of the period and especially on those characters from seventh- and early eighth-century England whom Bede either heroized, such as his own bishop, Acca, and kings Oswald and Edwin, or villainized, most obviously the British king Cædwalla but also Oswiu, Oswald's brother.

In (Re-)Reading Bede, N.J. Higham offers a fresh approach to how we should engage with this great work of history. He focuses particularly on Bede's purposes in writing it, its internal structure, the political and social context in which it was composed and the cultural values it betrays, remembering always that our own approach to Bede has been influenced to a very great extent by the various ways in which he has been both used, as a source, and commemorated, as man and saint, across the last 1,300 years.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Bede's Ecclesiastical History is the most important single source for early medieval English history. Without it, we would be able to say very little about the conversion of the English to Christianity, or the nature of England before the Viking Age.

Bede wrote for his contemporaries, not for a later audience, and it is only by an examination of the work itself that we can assess how best to approach it as a historical source. N.J. Higham shows, through a close reading of the text, what light the Ecclesiastical History throws on the history of the period and especially on those characters from seventh- and early eighth-century England whom Bede either heroized, such as his own bishop, Acca, and kings Oswald and Edwin, or villainized, most obviously the British king Cædwalla but also Oswiu, Oswald's brother.

In (Re-)Reading Bede, N.J. Higham offers a fresh approach to how we should engage with this great work of history. He focuses particularly on Bede's purposes in writing it, its internal structure, the political and social context in which it was composed and the cultural values it betrays, remembering always that our own approach to Bede has been influenced to a very great extent by the various ways in which he has been both used, as a source, and commemorated, as man and saint, across the last 1,300 years.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book China Under Communism by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Social Psychology of Modern Japan by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book The Power of Teacher Leaders by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book The Routledge Handbook of Study Abroad Research and Practice by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Concert Lighting by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book The Measurement of Individual Well-Being and Group Inequalities by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Nursing & Health Survival Guide: Mentorship by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book The Art of Compassionate Business by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Marketing in Perspective (RLE Marketing) by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Foundations of Ethical Practice, Research, and Teaching in Psychology and Counseling by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Creating Sensory Spaces by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of Chinese Film by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Taking Back the Academy! by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Gender, Ethnicity and Place by N.J. Higham
Cover of the book Handbook of Psychological Testing by N.J. Higham
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy