THE DIPLOMAS OF KING AETHELRED 'THE UNREADY' 978-1016. A Study in their Use as Historical Evidence. [Presentation Copy]

Keynes, Simon

ISBN 10: 0521227186 / ISBN 13: 9780521227186

Published by Cambridge Cambridge University Press 1980, 1980

About this Item

PRESENTATION COPY. FIRST EDITION. 8vo. black cloth hardback, gilt, in unclipped dust jacket. 295pp., indexed, with pocket at rear containing 8 folding Tables. Presentation inscription from Author to Alf Smyth, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Kent (Alf, with my best wishes, Simon 17 xi 89) to ffep. No other markings or inscriptions. Overall VG/VG. (Shelf 200) ISBN: 0521227186 PLEASE NOTE: Buyer is responsible for any additional duties, taxes, or fees required by recipient's country.** Pictures available upon request.** Visit our homepage for our shop opening hours. Over 20,000 books in stock - come and browse. PayPal, credit and most debit cards welcome. Books posted worldwide. For any queries please contact us direct. Seller Inventory # 50971

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE DIPLOMAS OF KING AETHELRED 'THE UNREADY'...

Publisher: Cambridge Cambridge University Press 1980

Publication Date: 1980

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

The reign of Æthelred 'the Unready' (978–1016) is known to us mainly from a series of annals in the Anglo-Saxon Chrolicle, written at or after its close and accordingly conveying an impression of gathering doom as Viking armies ravaged the country and eventually, under the leadership of Swein Forkbeard and Cnut, brought about its conquest. Dr Keynes is here concerned to establish what light the royal diplomas issued in King Æthelred's name throw on this unhappy and notorious period. He first considers the general issues that bear directly on the value of royal diplomas as historical evidence for all periods of Anglo-Saxon history, discussing the circumstances under which these documents have been preserved, the techniques available for their criticism, and the arrangements that existed for their production. He then demonstrates how a detailed analysis of Æthelred's diplomas can transform our understanding of this troubled reign. On a practical level they provide invaluable evidence on the operation of royal government, and on a personal level they afford a remarkable insight into the relations between the king and his councillors, suggesting a picture of political manoeuvring and court intrigue which compensates for the chronicler's emphasis on the struggle against the marauding Vikings. By placing the familiar account of incessant warfare in the context of these domestic affairs it becomes possible for the first time to see the reign in its true perspective.

Book Description:

Dr Keynes is here concerned to establish what light the royal diplomas issued in King Æthelred's name throw on this unhappy and notorious period. He first considers the general issues that bear directly on the value of royal diplomas as historical evidence for all periods of Anglo-Saxon history, discussing the circumstances under which these documents have been preserved, the techniques available for their criticism, and the arrangements that existed for their production.