Ebook: The Dating of "Beowulf": A Reassessment

The dating of "Beowulf" has been a central question in Anglo-Saxon studies for the past two centuries, since it affects not only the interpretation of "Beowulf", but also the trajectory of early English literary history. By exploring evidence for the poem's date of composition, the essays in this volume contribute to a wide range of pertinent fields, including historical linguistics, Old English metrics, onomastics, and textual criticism. Many aspects of Anglo-Saxon literary culture are likewise examined, as contributors gauge the chronological significance of the monsters, heroes, history, and theology brought together in "Beowulf". Discussions of methodology and the history of the discipline also figure prominently in this collection. Overall, the dating of "Beowulf" here provides a productive framework for evaluating evidence and drawing informed conclusions about its chronological significance. These conclusions enhance our appreciation of "Beowulf" and improve our understanding of the poem's place in literary history.