The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World

By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout

Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf.

Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons. He not only presents their storytelling abilities using their own words; he does so in their own voice - the incredibly melodious Old English.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

A wonderful introduction by a masterful professor.

Professor Drout's enthusiasm for the Anglo-Saxon age and, in particular, the language of Old English, is infectious. I was so thankful that this course was an audio recording rather than just a written transcript, because to hear him speak in Old English, and to teach these topics that he is so passionate about, is a wonderful blessing. I may never get the chance to be a student of his at Wheaton College, but I will gladly jump on every opportunity I receive to watch or listen to Professor Drout teach on anything Anglo-Saxon, Old English, or Medieval in general.


This course is broken into fourteen lectures:

1.The Anglo-Saxons and their World
2.Language and Culture
3.The Migration and the Germanic Past
4.The Conversion: The School of Theodore and Hadrian
5.The "Golden Age" and the Venerable Bede: Double Monasteries, Missionaries, Conversion, and the Making of Beautiful Books

6.The Viking Age: Destruction and Revival

7.King Alfred and the Rebuilding: The Rescue and Consolidation of a Kingdom

8.The Years of Reform

9.Anglo-Saxon Literature: Religious

10.Anglo-Saxon Literature: Personal, Wisdom, and Riddles

11.Anglo-Saxon Literature: Epic and Heroic

12.The Norman Conquest and the End of Anglo-Saxon England

13.From the Norman Conquest to the Reformation: The Use of Anglo-Saxon

14.From Thomas Jefferson to Angelina Jolie: The Long Life of Angl0-Saxon


As you can see from the list, this provides a big, sweeping overview of the time period involved as well as the literature of the period and how Anglo-Saxon interest continued after the end of Anglo-Saxon England. There is so much information packed into these eight hours that it will take several times listening to the lectures to fully absorb all of the information. And, ultimately, this serves as nothing more than an entry point into a rich, immense section of history and literature. Drout jokes several times about Beowulf making its way into just about every lecture (and Tolkien in the few that lack Beowulf references) and he could have easily spent those eight hours (and many more) just talking about Beowulf without doing more than scratching the surface of what could be covered. Yet in spite of its many appearances, and a fair dedication to the poem during the eleventh lecture, I found myself wishing there had been more Beowulf. A lecture on Tolkien and Lewis and their work in Anglo-Saxon (and its influences on them) would have been a nice addition toward the end of the series as well.


Yet this is a perfect entry point to the time period and, on a lesser basis, to the types of literature from that period. Drout never missed an opportunity to recite passages of Old English when it could provide some insight to events or a period of the Anglo-Saxon history. And even if you don't understand the words in the passage, his masterful command of the language makes you want to understand it better rather than a part where you tune out until he gets back to something you can understand.


One of the best gems came early in the series in the form of an acronym to help (roughly) remember the major time periods being covered: MCGVR. And if you look at lectures 3-7, those all tie in nicely with that little acronym and he provides some round numbers for dates to work with that, even if a little inaccurate, helps to narrow down the century in question. I also liked how he chose not to end with the Norman Conquest, nor with coverage of the literature, but rather how Anglo-Saxon and its use has continued up to the present day.


Overall, I cannot help but count this as the best possible use that I could have found for my one free trial credit on Audible. If I had a second free credit, I would not hesitate to spend it on another course by Professor Drout after listening to this one. It will remain active on my tablet for the foreseeable future, and I am in the process of printing off the companion course guide and building a binder to refer back to frequently as I pursue my own study into the Anglo-Saxon age and literature.

Interesting and not what I thought it would be

I crave info about the Anglo-Saxon period. This seemed to be right up that alley. But instead a deep history it’s instead one centered of their language and select writing as literature. At first I was disappointed that is was not proper history but Dr Drout narrative kept me listening, and through it all gave me a more sense of history than I would have otherwise. I purposely am leaving out reviewing the story to let Dr Drout pleasantly surprise you.

Fantastic introduction to the Anglo-Saxon era

This lecture series is engaging and provides a great overview of Anglo-Saxon history, culture and literature.

Drout is Great Teacher

This is a lecture series worthy of investment. Drout lays it bare for easy understanding. I hope to collect all of his recorded lectures.

LOVE Drout!

Fabulous as always. Drout is my favorite Modern Scholar lecturer. He is deeply knowledgeable and deeply passionate about his subjects. His lectures are conversational, insightful, and laced with humor. Highly recommend this and all his lectures.

Great!

Loved it. Professor Drout makes the information simultaneously accessible and entertaining. This is the best those interested in Anglo-Saxon history could ever want in a Great Course. I will listen again and again to these wonderful lectures. I will get more courses by Drout!

Middle Ages Alive

Prof Drout really helped me understand the era I have long ignored in my study of history. He is an outstanding teacher and well worth the listen. I want to learn Anglo-Saxon now!

Enjoyed every bit of the lecture

Prof. Drout livelily explains Anglo-Saxon history, culture, literature, and its people in his work "The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World". I felt as if I was learning about someone so close to me, instead of some distant culture happened a long time ago in the history. Despite of the length (7+ hours), I truly enjoyed every bit of the lesson. Now I am listening for the second time!

Loved it

Very interesting, well-organized, and well-presented. Not just Beowulf, although it does make regular appearances. The lectures cover highlights of history, along with religious and not-so-religious literature.

Excellent

Very well done. In-depth history of a fascinating era that still influences our culture today. Also offers plenty of "color" in the original Old English so one really gets a feel for the language. Time well spent!