The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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980-after 1066
English monk who attempted to fly off the tower of Malmesbury Abbey with a set of wings attached to his arms and feet. It so happened that the great historian William of Malmesbury witnessed the event as a boy, leaving an account of it in his Gesta regum anglorum. Apparently Eilmer panicked after flying some 600 ft (183 m) and suddenly plummeted to earth, breaking both of his legs. In spite of this, he wanted to make a second flight, but the abbot forbade it. According to William, Eilmer also had the distinction of twice seeing the comet known today as Halley's comet. As a nine-year-old boy in 989, Eilmer believed the comet to be a portent of dire happenings, and indeed it was soon followed by a Danish attack in England. The second time Eilmer saw the comet, in 1066, the Normans invaded, bringing an end to the Anglo-Saxon world he had known.