Old English Chronicles

This volume gathers six early English chronicles that shed light on the centuries before the Norman Conquest. Written by contemporary monks and scholars, the texts preserve the very words of the people who lived through the age of kings like Alfred and Athelstan. The editor has rendered the often‑barbaric Latin into clear, modern prose, while noting where the original phrasing remains elusive.

Among the most intriguing pieces are a short chronicle attributed to Ethelwerd, a noble descendant of Alfred who combined sword and pen, and Asser’s vivid biography of the great Saxon king. The collection also includes the enigmatic work of Gildas, whose life and authorship are shrouded in mystery, offering a rare glimpse of sixth‑century thought. Listeners who enjoy hearing history spoken in its own voice will find these translations a compelling portal into England’s formative years.