Bernard Cornwell Bookgroup Blog

[annis]

Steven Till posted a link to this blogsite on his blog (thanks, Steven)
http://bernardcornwellbookgroup.blogspot.com/

It's got all sorts of interesting background information relating to Bernard Cornwell novels. If you want to know what OLd English (Anglo-Saxon) sounded like so you can imagine Uhtred speaking, there is even a link to a website which provides excerpts of Anglo-Saxon works read aloud
http://fred.wheatonma.edu/wordpressmu/mdrout/category/battle-of-maldon

One caveat- i wasn't able to play them on my computer, but may not have the right player. If anyone else has success with it i'd like to know :)

[Anna Elliott]

Thanks so much for posting, Annis! What a great site! And the player did work on my computer fine--I use an iMac. There's something so magical about actually hearing the words spoken aloud. Shivery-chills amazing.

[CindyInOz]

Thanks for the link Annis. There is such a wealth of information on that site! Even if you're not a huge Bernard Cornwell fan, there are so many interesting details and references to check out. I couldn't get the player to work, but I'm currently at work, using the most out of date computer in the city...

[annis]

Cindy, I messed about and found I could get the Anglo-Saxon readings by playing them as free podcasts through iTunes. (like Anna, I have an iMac). Using the "Play in pop-up" option also worked for me. It's a fascinating experience - I keep feeling as if I'm just on the edge of understanding what's being said-- it's a bit Germanic in sound, but rather softer in pronounciation.