In just six centuries, the Anglo-Saxons established English as the common language, introduced Christianity and universal coinage; and sustained several waves of Viking invaders, including an invasion in the 9th century that was thwarted by the self-proclaimed King of England, King Alfred. By the end of the period, they had successfully created a unified Kingdom of England with borders that are largely unchanged to this day.

James Campbell’s The Anglo-Saxons remains the authoritative title despite the publication of subsequent books on the period. Written by one of the leading Anglo-Saxon scholars, it is a remarkable history created for a general readership. Campbell’s ground-breaking pictorial volume includes maps and diagrams, as well as over 60 black and white photographs of archaeological sites and surviving defences and churches. Campbell placed art and craftsmanship at the forefront of his work and these images illustrate their importance in understanding Anglo-Saxon culture.