English literature in the ninth century
Susan Irvine
To a scholar working at the turn of ninth century, idea composing vernacular prose works as part centrally planned learning programme would surely have seemed inconceivable. Seen in that context, cultural transformation which made large-scale production literature English an established tradition by end century was truly remarkable. Over this period time linguistic boundaries defining use Latin and were renegotiated, became accepted legitimate language for literary composition. It court Alfred Great acted pivot shift, with king himself promoting authorizing practice translation. But developments years before 871, nationally internationally, also highly significant shaping reinvigorated activity during Alfred’s reign. Moreover ‘ninth century’, from perspective, should not be seen ending abruptly 899: is notional construct has emerged convenience date death. The output traditionally associated reign may perhaps more usefully considered terms ‘long century’ extending beyond 900.
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