The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is the first continuous national history of any western people in their own language. Compiled over several centuries, it traces the migration of Saxon warlords to Roman Britain, their gradual development of a settled society and conversion to Christianity, the onslaught of the Vikings and then the Norman Conquest. It continued to be written long after the last Saxon king was dead, and goes on to describe atrocities perpetrated by the barons during the reign of Stephen. Professor Swanton's translation is the most complete and faithful reading ever published. Extensive notes draw on the latest evidence of paleographers, archaeologists, and textual and social historians to place these annals in the context of current knowledge. The introduction provides all the information a first-time reader could need, cutting an easy route through often complicated matters. Fully indexed and complemented by maps and genealogical tables, this edition allows ready access to one of the prime sources of English national culture.