AElfrician Homilies and Varia: Editions, Translations, and Commentary

The first modern edition and translation of the homilies of Ælfric of Eynsham, a prominent homilist, translator, and moralist of his time, is presented here. The thirty-one texts, with facing translations, span the course of his career and include treatises on the Holy Spirit, cognition, penitence, and proper comportment. Nine of the texts appear in print for the first time, and others for the first time in over 100 years. Introductions offer overviews of the content, composition, and circulation of each work, while the commentary traces Ælfric's role in the history of ideas and establishes the authorship and date of these remarkable writings from early England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1074 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Ælfric of Eynsham, a renowned homilist, translator, and moralist of his time, holds a paramount position in the realm of religious discourse. His sermons, sought after by the most influential churchmen and landed warlords, encompass a range of profound themes. They resurrect the dead, betray the innocent, bring civilizations to ruin, fulfill prophecies, and ultimately offer salvation. Ælfric's sermons offer guidance on various subjects, including sex, financial matters, botanical explorations, etymological asides, the subjugation of lions by roosters, the disembowelment of arch-heretics, and the crowning of seemingly insignificant figures with everlasting crowns. He delves into the origins of Antichrist, recounts supernatural visions of damnation and deliverance, explores the interplay between predestination and free will, examines the multifaceted nature of the soul, seeks to categorize creation, and pushes the boundaries of conceptual capacity in describing the divine nature.

The treatises presented herein cover a wide array of topics, including the Holy Spirit, cognition, penitence, and proper conduct. Alongside these scholarly works, private prayers and public declarations of the Christian faith found in the Paternoster, the Apostles' Creed, and the Nicene Creed are included. The thirty-one texts presented here, accompanied by facing translations, showcase the diverse range of Ælfric's compositions throughout his career. Nine of these texts are published for the first time, while others have not been seen in print for over a century. Introductory essays provide overviews of the content, composition, and circulation of each work, drawing upon the latest research to contextualize their usage in specific places, among particular groups, and by specific individuals.

Furthermore, the accompanying commentary traces the intellectual influences and historical context of Ælfric's writings, shedding light on his intellectual milieu and the broader societal and religious developments of his time. The first modern edition and translation of Ælfric's homilies thus offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this remarkable figure's theological and moral legacy, providing a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843845447