This innovative and intriguing introduction to Old English literature is structured around what the author calls 'figures' from Anglo-Saxon culture: the Vow, the Hall, the Miracle, the Pulpit, and the Scholar. This book situates Old English literary texts within a cultural framework; creates new connections between different genres, periods and authors; and, combines close textual analysis with historical context. It is based on the author's many years experience of teaching Old English literature. The author is co-editor with Seamus Heaney of "Beowulf: A Verse Translation" (2001) and recently published with Blackwell "Lady Godiva: A Literary History of the Legend" (2003).