Explore the words of war from the Anglo-Saxon world.
This scholarly volume deciphers weapon names, tracing their meanings, forms, and origins through archaeology and philology. It reveals how terms like spear, shield, lorica, and other gear were described and used in ancient texts.
The book blends linguistic analysis with historical context, offering clear definitions and evidence from Beowulf and other sources. It illuminates how weapon terms traveled across Germanic languages and how they shaped, and were shaped by, warrior culture.
- Detailed etymologies for hundreds of weapon terms
- Illustrated forms and usage across key Anglo-Saxon texts
- Connections between craft, combat gear, and language
- Cross-referenced with scholarly glossaries and manuscript evidence
Ideal for readers of historical linguistics, archaeology, and early English literature who want a precise, reference-grade guide to early weapon terminology.