Point of View

Although this anthology has many authors, the writings have been selected and compiled by Kevin Crossley-Holland, the editor. At the beginning of each section, Crossley-Holland addresses the reader, introducing the pieces he has chosen and explaining their literary significance. This is quite helpful, since he helps the modern reader understand the medieval point of view through their stories. In sections concerning heroic poems, Crossley-Holland points out how the poetic imagery can still be moving to a reader today. He gives historical background on the many letters, legal documents, and chronicles, helping keep straight many historical figures and their roles. Since Crossley-Holland is British, he tends to assume that the reader has certain prior knowledge about English history and geography, which can be a bit overwhelming at times for a non-British reader, but this is not a significant obstacle.

Crossley-Holland takes pains to help the reader understand...