Undoing Babel: The Tower of Babel in Anglo-Saxon Literature. Tristan Major. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018. Pp. xiii+289.
Carl Kears
Previous articleNext article FreeBook ReviewUndoing Babel: The Tower of Babel in Anglo-Saxon Literature. Tristan Major. Toronto: University Toronto Press, 2018. Pp. xiii+289.Carl KearsCarl KearsKing’s College London Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailQR Code SectionsMoreTristan Major summarizes Undoing best the conclusion book: it is “essentially a series case studies on specific developments Table Nations and among various authors cultures England” (237). Accomplishing this, as does study, no small task, given extent which genealogy Noah Genesis 10 narrative 11 pervaded early medieval writings seeking explain origins linguistic ethnic diversity.The scope scale book are impressive. works with an immense varied range surviving material, providing fastidious, concise readings poetic, liturgical, historical, philosophical, geographical, ecclesiastical texts. nods several times near impossibility tracing all references Europe. These brief reflections book’s choice focus England not always necessary, however. For one thing, chapters look beyond temporal geographical borders British Isles late antiquity, imposing substantial its coverage range.Even Arno Borst’s Der Turmbau von (1957–63), difficult match comprehensive study western culture, could cover everything or, puts it, “analyse some complex issues surrounding ways text or uses” 10–11 (5). Pursuing these depth, but turning much specifically toward England, sets out three categories way story was interpreted: literally, understand diversity world; dramatically mythically, allow extrabiblical additions serve explanation evil; combination both applied “inform understandings present in-group out-group communities identities” (7). narrative, demonstrates through approach, adaptable, utilized “to maintain widely disparate pre-existing beliefs who use when they find suitable their purposes” (11).The arrangement themselves remains chronological. Two focused beginnings development Christian antiquity begin book. aim aid readers better understanding traditions interpretation that preceded reception despite many “having influence Europe” (24). very well researched, moving from Bible Apocryphon; Josephus’s Antiquities Jews Eusebius’s history; then Origen Tertullian, “continued develop implications 10” (40), working revise keeping division world into six climactic zones Greek writers like Polybius. By time Augustine, people tongues at had become linked Pentecost, moment New Testament where Christ’s spirit descended his disciples went speak language once again, spreading message Church also amending sundering Babel.The following four move period, beginning school Theodore Hadrian Canterbury seventh eighth centuries commentaries Aldhelm, school’s most well-known prolific students. Bede’s work far extensive explicit than Aldhelm’s, career forms basis chapter 4 (“Bede Alcuin”). suggests implicit Historia ecclesiastica, though there direct reference it. Where occur writings, argues, loses negative connotations. Instead, “an essential moment” salvation history Bede would lead unity Pentecost (104). As might be expected material available, section Alcuin York shorter Bede. represents “immediate legacy” important bridge subsequent Carolingian exegesis” (26), examines Alcuin’s Quaestiones Genesim poem Versus de patribus regibus et sanctis Euboricensis ecclesiae detail. maintains idea Pentecostal mission brings church back after Babel. Through Alcuin, briefly acknowledges wealth available Babel, worthy further study.Chapters 5 6 turn reforms King Alfred ninth century Edgar tenth century, respectively. maps literary inventiveness Alfredian fully represented “a sharp narrative,” conflates “with gigantomachia Old English Boethius, depiction city speaking warning humankind Orosius, appearance fourth son West Saxon royal genealogies innovations seem reflect current cultural concerns” (156). notable tenth-century monastic reformers—namely, Æthelwold, Dunstan, Oswald—looked Alfred’s time, golden age monasticism, inspiration and, Alfred, project looked restore learning repair rebuild key cities Winchester. No doubt served those involved such ambitious projects architectural restoration. While pursued Major, nor found closely associated Edgar, “second wave” reform—represented Ælfric Wulfstan York—of 990s 1000s utilizes specifically. seemingly interested Babel’s “causal relationship idolatry error (gedwyld) redemption Pentecost” (190). Wulfstan, too, rooted emergence idolatry—a relevant pressing concern Viking incursion—in dispersal nations account Genesis.Undoing finishes poetry. Chapter 7 offers thorough conservative overview Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Junius 11, detailed poetic retellings A Daniel. analyses offered here will familiar only acquainted poems critical histories. placing two together, traces concerns synergies across manuscript. Although comparative artwork including image construction page 82 Lucifer’s citadel top 3, have enhanced discussion influenced visual representations apocrypha succeeds suggesting vernacular poetry allowed imaginative remaking inherited biblical narratives.Undoing complements rich scholarship, Bruce R. O’Brien’s Reversing (2011), David M. Goldenberg’s Curse Ham (2003), Daniel Anlezark’s Water Fire (2006), Nicholas Howe: Migration Mythmaking (1989) Writing Map (2007). Andrew Scheil’s Babylon under Western Eyes (2016) published nearing completion, notes, may been chance utilize insights. Nevertheless, contribution field. It useful students, appeal history, ethnicity, language, broadly.There reviews book—Major’s first—by senior scholars, praised attention detail (rightly so). From my perspective researcher, I can see scholarly rigor appealing readability, offer us good model high standards our future work. DetailsFiguresReferencesCited Modern Philology Volume 118, Number 3February 2021 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/711631 Views: 206 HistoryPublished online November 02, 2020 permission reuse, please contact [email protected]PDF download Crossref reports citing article.
Modern Philology