Old English Metre: An Introduction

by Jun Terasawa

Overview

Old English Metre offers an essential framework for the critical analysis of metrical structures and interpretations in Old English literature. Jun Terasawa's comprehensive introductory text covers the basics of Old English metre and reviews the current research in the field, emphasizing the interaction between Old English metre and components such as word-formation, word-choice, and grammar. He also covers the metre-related problems of dating, authorship, and the distinction between prose and verse.

Each chapter includes exercises and suggestions for further reading. Appendices provide possible answers to the exercises, tips for scanning half-lines, and brief definitions of metrical terms used. Examples in Old English are provided with literal modern English translations, with glosses added in the first three chapters to help beginners. The result is a comprehensive guide that makes important text-critical skills much more readily available to Old English specialists and beginners alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442693845
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Jun Terasawa is a professor in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tokyo.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Introduction
2. Alliteration
3. Rhythm: the Basics
4. Rhythm: Advanced Topics
5. Metre and Word
6. Metre and Grammar
7. Other Problems Related to Old English Metre

Appendices

1. Suggested Answers to the Exercises
2. Some Tips for Scanning Half-lines, with Sample Scansions
3. Glossary of Metrical Terms

Bibliography
Index of Verses and Lines Discussed
General Index

What People are Saying About This

Haruko Momma

'A welcome addition to Anglo-Saxon studies, Old English Metre combines introductory material for beginners with an up-to-date view of current work in the field. Jun Terasawa's intricate, extensive knowledge of Old English metre allows him to discuss topics in a succinct, comfortable manner.'
— Haruko Momma, Department of English, New York University

Geoffrey Russom

'Very few researchers combine linguistic analysis with pedagogical ingenuity as well as Jun Terasawa, whose detailed analyses of poetic word choice throw metrical facts into vivid relief ... A serious advance in state-of-the-art research, Old English Metre is ideally suited to help the largest possible audience interested in Old English poetry develop the skills necessary to critically edit and interpret these works. Anyone who proceeds conscientiously through this book will be in an excellent position to engage in discussions of metrical problems.'
— Geoffrey Russom, Department of English, Brown University

Editorial Reviews

‘Jun Terasawa is to be congratulated on having written an illuminating work, clear, succinct, and rational… I will happily recommend it to my students.’—Mark Griffith, Notes & Queries; vol 59:03:2012
‘Terasawa’s volume is a boon to students learning about Old English Metre for the first time… The book’s subject is vital to anyone who would achieve a sophisticated understanding of the language of Old English poetic texts.’—Christopher M. Cain, Journal of English and Germanic Philology, April 2014

'A welcome addition to Anglo-Saxon studies, Old English Metre combines introductory material for beginners with an up-to-date view of current work in the field. Jun Terasawa's intricate, extensive knowledge of Old English metre allows him to discuss topics in a succinct, comfortable manner.'—Haruko Momma, Department of English, New York University
'Very few researchers combine linguistic analysis with pedagogical ingenuity as well as Jun Terasawa, whose detailed analyses of poetic word choice throw metrical facts into vivid relief... A serious advance in state-of-the-art research, Old English Metre is ideally suited to help the largest possible audience interested in Old English poetry develop the skills necessary to critically edit and interpret these works. Anyone who proceeds conscientiously through this book will be in an excellent position to engage in discussions of metrical problems.'—Geoffrey Russom, Department of English, Brown University

From the Publisher

‘Jun Terasawa is to be congratulated on having written an illuminating work, clear, succinct, and rational… I will happily recommend it to my students.’

Notes & Queries; vol 59:03:2012 - Mark Griffith

‘Terasawa’s volume is a boon to students learning about Old English Metre for the first time… The book’s subject is vital to anyone who would achieve a sophisticated understanding of the language of Old English poetic texts.’

Journal of English and Germanic Philology, April 2014 - Christopher M. Cain