Runes - by Michael P Barnes (Paperback)

About the Book

Offers a full introduction to and survey of runes and runology: their history, how they were used, and their interpretation.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive guide to runes and runology, covering all aspects of the subject. It begins by discussing the origin of runes, their development in Europe (especially Scandinavia) and in Anglo-Saxon England, and the demise of traditional runic writing at the end of the Middle Ages. It then moves on to look at the different types of runic inscription and their context; cryptic runes; rune names; the use of runes in the post-Reformation era; the practicalities of how runic inscriptions were made and where they are to be found; and how runologists read and interpret inscriptions, together with a history of runology. A glossary of technical terms and essential information on speech sounds are also provided, while the numerous illustrations shed further light on the subject.

Review Quotes

[An] immaculately produced book. [...] This book is both a pioneering textbook of runic studies and a reference resource on runes, thus serving the needs of students of language studies, medieval history and cultural matters, and the just plain curious.-- "REFERENCE REVIEWS"

A clear and authoritative textbook as well as an attractive, amply illustrated, and well-made artifact. It is written in an accessible style that nevertheless does not oversimplify. Michael Barnes has set a new standard, providing us with a clear and dedicated textbook for teaching the study of runes.-- "STUDIES IN MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE TEACHING"

A prudently structured, lucidly written, and judiciously reasoned overview of a subject that has engendered much divisiveness among experts. [...] A first-rate contribution.-- "ANGLIA"

An accessible and useful introduction to the topic.-- "YEARS WORK IN ENGLISH STUDIES"

An immaculately scholarly and notably rational introduction to runology. [It] tells the reader everything he or she needs to know about runes and how to study them. It will be invaluable to students.-- "TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT"

Barnes has succeeded in systematizing for students an elusive body of knowledge, and models...a careful, logical approach.-- "MEDIEVAL REVIEW"

Extremely welcome [and] likely to attract an international readership. The book covers essential aspects of runology and it provides us with a succinct research overview.-- "NOWELE"

Not only a handbook but a textbook for the study of runes.-- "CHOICE"

Overall, the book is abundant in interesting material, well-written, and.is a rare reliable source on this often overdramatized aspect of our field.-- "COMITATUS"

Provides students with an introduction to the topic which is both accessible and erudite. It brings the reader up to date on current issues in the discipline and demonstrates the concern with methodological rigour for which its author is well known.-- "HISTORY"