…driven by cloud-strength,            borne into distance
over nations, dwelling-places.         And now melody
sings from my war-shirt;             wind-song’s lexicon
glitters, pinioned,                  when I grace neither
flood-plain nor furrow, but am firmament’s guest.

                                                 from a riddle in the Exeter Book

Chris McCully brings Old English poetry to life with exhilarating immediacy. Here is the earliest surviving English poem, ‘Caedmon’s Hymn’, as well as one of the last poems to be written in the classical Old English alliterative style; some of the great elegies and epics, and a generous selection from ‘Beowulf’. Other dimensions of Anglo-Saxon culture are represented in religious meditations, riddles, charms and rhythmical prose, all translated into metrical half-lines that capture the subtlety and pace of the originals.

The introduction explores the fascination this poetry has held for Chris McCully over many years, as a poet and a scholar. The translations are referenced to manuscripts and critical editions, making them a valuable resource for students and for all those keen to read more of the earliest English poetry. A bibliography and reading list, with a note on Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and material in libraries and on the Internet, complete the book.

Cover image Anglo-Saxon plaque from Sutton Hoo (bronze with enamels), 7th century. British Museum, London, UK/ The Bridgeman Art Library Cover design StephenRaw.com