Oxford English Monographs: Translating Europe in Ælfric's Lives of Saints

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This study explores the representation of European peoples, places, and geographies in Ælfric's 'Lives of Saints,' a key work of early medieval England. It treats the collection as a cohesive whole, revealing how its various components cumulatively convey teachings that extend beyond individual homilies or saints' lives. The analysis shows that Ælfric's European characters and settings are central to his didactic goals rather than mere narrative frameworks. Luisa Ostacchini meticulously compares over 30 items in the collection with their Latin sources and among themselves, uncovering previously overlooked patterns and formulae. This comparison illustrates Ælfric's dual focus on community: he aims to position England within the broader Christian world while also fostering unity within the English kingdom and the reformed monastic community. The work provides fresh insights into how Ælfric articulated England's role in the Christian world and enhances understanding of his pedagogical methods and ideology as a pivotal figure in early medieval literature. Luisa Ostacchini is a college lecturer at St John's College, Oxford, specializing in Old and Middle English literature.