Engla Lond: the Making of an Allegiance
Patrick Wormald
Abstract Taking as its starting-point, Philip Abrams’ celebrated perception (1988) that the state is an ‘ideological artefact … historically constructed', this essay seeks explanation of unrivalled longevity and durability English in fact it was first European political organism to exploit with complete success model obligatory coherence supplied by Old Testament history Israel relations Maker. This had been applied early Anglo-Saxon Christianity Venerable Bede (731) a work unexampled literary power. The Anglo-Saxons’ subsequent experience near-obliteration their Christian polity pagan Vikings lent Biblical Bedan messages particular point. King Alfred his dynasty were thus provided ideological blueprint which meant otherwise no means unusual medieval hegemony could command allegiance potential dissidents way none counterparts ultimately able do.
Sociology Lens