Exeter Book of Old English Poetry

Exeter Book of Old English Poetry

The Exeter Book, which belongs to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral, is one of the four most significant verse manuscripts written in Old English to survive from the Anglo-Saxon period. It was created ca. 960–80 by one scribe from a variety of sources and was acquired in the 11th century on behalf of Exeter Cathedral by Bishop Leofric (before 1016-1072). A list of donations made by Leofric dated to 1069-72 is believed to refer to the Exeter book: mycel Englisc boc be gehwilcum þingum on leoðwisum geworht or “a large English book about many things written in verse”. In 2016, this historic manuscript was added to the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register.

A Fascinating Mix of Texts

The Anglo-Saxons distinguished themselves in numerous arts, such as gold smithing, but also enjoyed a sophisticated intellectual tradition expressed presented in gorgeous manuscripts created with the intricate artistry of Insular illumination, also known as Hiberno-Saxon art for the mixing of Irish and English influences. This manuscript’s contents are both fascinating and diverse, ranging from 95 riddles, various saints’ lives, and numerous elegies, reflective poems usually lamenting the dead. The characters of these 34 poems include lonely seafarers, banished wanderers, and estranged lovers who are otherwise put in normal, everyday settings. The poems are often filled with double entendre and other bawdy allusions. Lastly, the manuscript is notable for containing two poems signed by the 9th century poet Cynewulf – one of only 12 poets from the Anglo-Saxon period identifiable by name today. In some cases, this is the only written testament to stories that have otherwise only been passed down in an oral tradition.