Runes: An Introduction

By Ralph Warren Victor Elliott

Book Overview

This book is intended to serve as an introduction to the study of runes in general and of English runic inscriptions in particular.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312034911
• ISBN13: 9780312034917
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: St Martins Pr
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Cassic study

This is an important work, which provides a useful summary of what is known about the Runes. While some elements have been questioned since (the meaning of erilaz for emxample), the work as a whoe is quite solid. The book covers all of the historic futharks, the main sources of our knowledge, and various trends regarding the development of the inscriptions. However, some elements of historical linguistics are not addressed (what is the relationship of the language of the Elder Futhark inscriptions to the other Germanic language branches, for example*). Of the greatest interest are the sections discussing the names of the staves, and the origin of Runic writing. This is a truly classic study and I highly recommend it.

The Source

This is Professor Elliott's classic on runes. It was written in 1959 & has been a valuable source for basic factual information ever since. Although it acknowledges the surviving Heathen & magical symbolism of the rune names & poems, it sticks to the basic academic facts. This is an essential introduction for anyone serious about learning the runes. Even more so for those who have been duped by the rubbish written in many of the New-Age manuals out there. Sweyn The Rune Primer: A Down to Earth Guide to the Runes

The Source Book

This is Professor Elliott's classic on runes. It was written in 1959 & has been a valuable source for basic factual information ever since. Although it acknowledges the surviving Heathen & magical symbolism of the rune names & poems, it sticks to the basic academic facts. This is an essential introduction for anyone serious about learning the runes. Even more so for those who have been duped by the rubbish written in many of the New-Age manuals out there. Sweyn The Rune Primer: A Down to Earth Guide to the Runes

a basic book on what is really known about runes

This is basic information on what is known about english & scandinavian runes (with an emphasis on english runes), without all the new-age magic bulls**t found in most other books. If you're going to make up fantasies about the runes, read this first so you can base them somewhat on reality! This book is academic, that is, its carefully researched & truthful.