Three key Old English texts are reproduced in full, accompanied by new translations: Bald's Third Leechbook, Lachunga, and Old English Herbarium.

    After the political turmoil and battles leading up to 1066, we all know William the Conquerer takes England. But Helen Hollick will have readers at the edge of their seats, hoping that just this once, for Harold, the story will have a different ending.

    Sources include Beowulf, The Husband's Message from the Exeter Book and runes. The second part of the book examines the original texts and extracts themes which are an endless supply of inspiration for modern storytelling.

    Immediately striking are the accounts of the Danish invasions and the unhappiness of Stephen's reign, together with the lyrical poem on the Battle of Brunanburh. Ranging from the start of the Christian era to 1154, the uniqueness of the chronicle as an historical and literary document makes it of compelling interest throughout. The historical, linguistic and literary importance of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is without parallel.