Unriddling the Exeter Riddles

Patrick J. Murphy

ISBN 10: 0271048417 / ISBN 13: 9780271048413

Published by Pennsylvania State University Press, Pennsylvania, 2011

About this Item

"The author has clearly enjoyed following the dark tracks of these riddles, as will readers both new and old in the study of enigmatics and Old English poetry. The approach offered here, specific to the construction of the Exeter Book riddles, makes the task of unriddling them more engaging and intriguing than ever." Marijane Osborn, University of California.

Seller Inventory # 002622

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Unriddling the Exeter Riddles
• Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press, Pennsylvania
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0271048417
• ISBN 13: 9780271048413
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: As New
• Dust Jacket Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

The vibrant and enigmatic Exeter Riddles (ca. 960–980) are among the most compelling texts in the field of medieval studies, in part because they lack textually supplied solutions. Indeed, these ninety-five Old English riddles have become so popular that they have even been featured on posters for the London Underground and have inspired a sculpture in downtown Exeter. Modern scholars have responded enthusiastically to the challenge of solving the Riddles, but have generally examined them individually. Few have considered the collection as a whole or in a broader context. In this book, Patrick Murphy takes an innovative approach, arguing that in order to understand the Riddles more fully, we must step back from the individual puzzles and consider the group in light of the textual and oral traditions from which they emerged. He offers fresh insights into the nature of the Exeter Riddles’ complexity, their intellectual foundations, and their lively use of metaphor.

About the Author

Patrick J. Murphy is Assistant Professor of English at Miami University.