ABSTRACT

Anglo-Saxon lexicography studies Latin texts and words. The earliest English lexicographers are largely unidentifiable students, teachers, scholars and missionaries. Materials brought from abroad by early teachers were augmented by their teachings and passed on by their students. Lexicographical material deriving from the early Canterbury school remains traceable in glossaries throughout this period, but new material was constantly added. Aldhelm and Ælfric Bata, among others, wrote popular, much studied hermeneutic texts using rare, exotic words, often derived from glossaries, which then contributed to other glossaries. Ælfric of Eynsham is a rare identifiable early English lexicographer, unusual in his lack of interest in hermeneutic vocabulary. The focus is largely on context and the process of creation and intended use of glosses and glossaries. Several articles examine intellectual centres where scholars and texts came together, for example, Theodore and Hadrian in Canterbury; Aldhelm in Malmesbury; Dunstan at Christ Church, Canterbury; Æthelwold in Winchester; King Æthelstan's court; Abingdon; Glastonbury; and Worcester.

part |2 pages

Section 1 Introduction and Latin and Greek Sources

part |2 pages

Section 4 Late Old English Glossaries

chapter 22|24 pages

The Earliest Texts with English and French

chapter 23|16 pages

Leland's Transcript of Ælfric's Glossary

chapter 24|6 pages

Ælfric's Latin Vocabulary

chapter 25|22 pages

Ælfric's Colloquy and Ælfric Bata