A Historiographical Survey: Anglo-Saxon Kings and Kingship since World War II
Joel T. Rosenthal
Three points by way of introduction. The first concerns the definition and delineation subject. Because kingship is but one ill-defined kingdom in shifting intellectual heptarchy Anglo-Saxon scholarship, I have been rigorous almost to point ruthlessness about excluding topics just at or beyond our boundaries. Not only scholarly contributions scholars also whole fields subfields historical inquiry precluded from consideration: list neglected, ignored, relegated very long indeed. Then come question whether this survey has any hopes for originality. What dreams might harbored a new clarion call were quickly dashed when, early my preparation article, came on Eric John's comment that “more books written than kings.” Once got torch alight realized how many footsteps already covered path. And last, article some sense offered as memorial Dorothy Whitelock, greatest modern Anglo-Saxonist after Stenton. Though she did not live complete her study Alfred Great, we assured it will soon see light day. frequency with which Whitelock's name appears bibliography gives idea versatility relentless curiosity. To alone postwar contribution 1954 listings; last—the reedition magisterial English Historical Documents , volume 1—in 1979. generation now must be standing far chronological end, begins publication Frank Merry Stenton's England 1943. Stenton was sixty-three when his great book appeared. Rarely large synthetic treatment simultaneously presented state existing set agenda next thirty forty years.
Journal of British Studies