About the author
Michael Swanton is one of the world’s foremost experts on Anglo-Saxon England having translated classics like Beowulf, Hereward the Wake and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. He is Emeritus Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Exeter. Born in London, he holds research degrees in arts and science from the Universities of Durham and Bath. Prof. Swanton has taught English Literature at the Universities of Manchester, Gieβen, Lausanne and Exeter, where for several years he also acted as Public Orator. He is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and The Royal Historical Society, has served as Honorary Editor of the Royal Archaeological Institute Journal and in 1971 founded the hugely successful series of Exeter Medieval Texts and Studies. He has himself authored a notable range of books on early English literature, architecture, art and archaeology. In 2011 he was awarded a Doctor of Letters degree from Durham University.
