Runes are the letters in a set of related alphabets that were used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. From late antiquity through the early middle ages; peoples across northwestern Europe inscribed runes on gravestones; buildings; jewelry; and weapons in a range of forms from crude scratchings to sophisticated relief carvings. Reading and deciphering this script has called on the expertise of a number of academic disciplines including archaeology; art history; linguistics; and forensic science. The runes illustrated in this lively introduction; which include memorials for the dead; business messages; charms; curses; and prayers; offer a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs of early Anglo-Saxon and Germanic cultures. The author traces the history of these ancient symbols from their mysterious origins to their development as a widely used script; concluding with a brief discussion of their use in modern mystery and fantasy literature; including the runic adaptations of J. R. R. Tolkien.
#2654337 in Books 2012-02-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.00 x 6.10l; 1.10 #File Name: 1602584192310 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Essential Reading for Student and LaymanBy BronxiniowaDennis Goldford lays out all sides of the complicated issues involving the religion clauses of the First Amendment and provides a convincing argument for his thesis: that the Founders intended America to be a nation that never uses the power of government to express a preference of one religion over another; or religion over no religion; or inhibit any American from exercising the freedom of religion. Extensive footnotes add depth to the understanding of this issue; which has been manipulated for political gain too often in our history.
