The Ecclesiastical History of England examines the religious
and political history of the Anglo-Saxons from the fifth century
to 731 AD. St. Bede's historical survey opens with a broad
outline of Roman Britain's geography and history. St. Bede
pays special attention to the disagreement between Roman
and Celtic Christians, the dates and locations of significant
events in the Christian calendar, and political upheaval during
the 600's. St. Bede collected information from a variety of
monasteries, early Church and government writings, and the
oral histories of Rome and Britain. This book is useful to
people looking for a brief survey of religious and political figures
and events in Anglo-Saxon history. Readers should recognize
that St. Bede's religious and political biases are
subtly reflected in his historiography, diminishing its objectivity.
Nonetheless, his Ecclesiastical History of England is one
of the most important texts of the Anglo-Saxon history. The
book's historical import is evidenced by the fact that nearly
200 hand written copies were produced in the Middle Ages.
St. Bede's text has since been translated into several different
languages.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer