Elizabeth Elstob's "English-Saxon Homily on the Birth-day of St. Gregory"
Elizabeth Elstob
May 2016 · Witan Publishing
Ebook
294
Pages
About this ebook
Timothy Graham’s facsimile edition of An English-Saxon Homily on the Birth-Day of St. Gregory stands as a monument both to 10th/11th century learning as well as 18th century learning. This homily, written by the great Ælfric of Eynsham, was then edited by Elizabeth Elstob in 1709. Elstob stands both as one of the great Anglo-Saxonists of the early period, and also as a feminist icon, attaining her own stunning intellectual acumen despite opposition from early 18th-century society, as well as from her own family.
In this edition, Timothy Graham presents Elstob’s own version in facsimile form, complete with her commentary, offering a fascinating look at the work of both Ælfric and Elstob. Graham offers his own introductory material and commentary, contextualizing Elstob for contemporary readers. Audiences can read the book either in the original facsimile version, or in a provided transcription.
In this edition, Timothy Graham presents Elstob’s own version in facsimile form, complete with her commentary, offering a fascinating look at the work of both Ælfric and Elstob. Graham offers his own introductory material and commentary, contextualizing Elstob for contemporary readers. Audiences can read the book either in the original facsimile version, or in a provided transcription.
About the author
The famed “Saxon Nymph,” Elizabeth Elstob was a major figure in 18th-century Anglo-Saxon antiquarianism at a time when education was often closed to women. Born in 1683, she was raised by an uncle who discouraged her education. Nevertheless, she eventually became proficient in eight languages and made major contributions to the field.
With the assistance of her brother William Elstob and the encouragement of a cadre of female intellectuals, including Mary Astell, Elizabeth Elstob used the depth of her learning to promote the study of “Northern Antiquities,” the field that would later come to be known as “Anglo-Saxon Studies.” In 1715 her brother’s death left her homeless and destitute. Although in her later years she struggled financially and was often dependent on others for support, she continued to educate girls as a teacher and governess until her own death in 1756.
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