Language and History in the Early Germanic World

Rating:
Summary: An admirable effort, and a helpful source for Early Germanic
Review: After struggling for some time to find some sort of connecting sources of information to build an idea of Early Germanic life. After having read this, I was able to determine ranks and the language forms that came with it in establishing a societal form for many Early German tribes. Although primarily concerned with Germanic language, it helps clear the mist from many confusing theories. Kudos!

Rating:
Summary: Much information, but somewhat plodding
Review: The purpose of this book is to use our knowledge of the early Germanic languages to fill in gaps in our knowledge of the history and culture of the peoples who spoke them. The book provides a great deal of information, organized by divisions of
culture, such as warfare and religion. I have two main criticisms. First, the author presupposes a bit more knowledge of the Germanic languages and of Latin than most readers are likely to have. This will from time to time make a point difficult to follow. Second, I found the book a bit plodding. There just didn't seem to be any interesting insights, unexpected discoveries, or unusually clever inferences.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the casual historian
Review: This book is for the serious philologist and/or linguist. Less of an explanation of early German life and language than a lecture-made-into-a-book on the evolution of a handful of words.The book assumes much more familiarity with ancient texts and dialects than the casual armchair historian will have. Lack of preexisting in-depth knowledge makes this book too ponderous and obtuse.