Interweaving literature, history, and religion, an exquisite meditation on the turning of the seasons in medieval England—now in paperback. Winters in the Worldis a beautifully observed journey through the cycle of the year in Anglo-Saxon England, exploring the festivals, customs, and traditions linked to the different seasons. Drawing on a wide variety of source material, including poetry, histories, and religious literature, Eleanor Parker investigates how Anglo-Saxons felt about the annual passing of the seasons and the profound relationship they saw between human life and the rhythms of nature. Many of the festivals celebrated in the United Kingdom today have their roots in the Anglo-Saxon period, and this book traces their surprising history while unearthing traditions now long forgotten. It celebrates some of the finest treasures of medieval literature and provides an imaginative connection to the Anglo-Saxon world.
Eleanor Parkeris a lecturer in medieval English literature at Brasenose College, University of Oxford. She writes regularly for publications including
History Todayand
BBC History Magazine, and she is the author of
Dragon Lords: The History and Legends of Viking Englandand
Conquered: The Last Children of Anglo-Saxon England.
“A heart-warmer for the coming winter, . . . [and] we could do worse than choose Ms. Parker’s book for a wintry companion.”
“With her book, Parker illuminates the inner workings of the Anglo-Saxon mind in a way that evokes the once-impressive interconnectedness of the religious, natural, and social realms.”
"This lovely book acts as a portal back to an older time, using the poetry of medieval England to unlock a world where the seasons, and the changing weather, are a subject of deep pleasure and renewing wonder."
"Parker takes us through the rhythms of the Anglo-Saxon year, charting lcM
![Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/9/1/6/2_5493514.jpg "Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year [Hardcover]")