The Will of Aethelgifu

A Tenth Century Anglo-Saxon Manuscript Translated and Examined by Dorothy Whitelock With a note on the document by Neil Ker and analyses of the properties, livestock and chattels concerned by Lord Rennell Folio. [xii], 92pp. 4 full-page facsimiles of the complete document plus other sectional facsimiles within the text along with 2 pages of sketch maps. Publisher's original quarter morocco with gilt to spine and top edge gilt. The Will of Aethelgifu dates from the period 980 -990 - there is also a Latin abstract of the will from the Cartulary of St Albans (now in the British Museum). The manuscript of the will is remarkably well preserved and the book begins with an account of its provenance. Not only is the manuscript extremely well preserved but it is one of the most important Anglo-Saxon documents to have survived, rich in both historical information and linguistic interest. Professor Dorothy Whitelock has written sections on The Text and Translation of the Will, An Examination of the Will, The Latin Abstract and the Witness List and The Language of the Will. Professor Neil Ker has written the notes on the Manuscript itself and Lord Rennell has provided the sections covering The Lands and Properties of the Will, The Bequests of Livestock and The Bequests of Chattels and Clothing. There is also a very helpful index of Subjects, Persons and Places. A very nicely produced book absolutely awash with stunning historical information. Book in near fine condition. A little superficial marking to covers. Front paste down has the printed book plate of the late Eric Gerald Stanley (1923 - 2018), who was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford. Internally very clean and free of spotting.