Explanation: The correct Latin title of Bede's seminal work is *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*. While the completion date of approximately AD 731 is accurate, the title provided in the question is incorrect.

Explanation: Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is structured into five books, not six. The work covers the period from the Roman invasion of Britain up to its completion around AD 731.

Explanation: Book 5 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* indeed brings the narrative up to the year of its completion, approximately AD 731, covering events from AD 687 onwards.

Explanation: The full Latin title of Bede's major historical work is *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*, which translates to *An Ecclesiastical History of the English People*.

Explanation: Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is widely believed to have been completed around AD 731, shortly before his death.

Explanation: Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is divided into five books.

Explanation: Book 1 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* indeed concludes with the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury in 597 AD, detailing this pivotal moment in the reintroduction of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.

Explanation: Bede details the Council of Whitby, a pivotal event in English church history concerning the dating of Easter and other practices, within Book 3 of his *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*.

Explanation: Bede dedicated his *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* to King Ceolwulf of Northumbria. While King Alfred the Great is traditionally credited with commissioning the Old English translation, this attribution is now disputed by scholars.

Explanation: Book 5 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* extensively discusses the controversy surrounding the correct calculation of Easter, detailing the differences between Roman and Celtic practices and Bede's stance on the matter.

Explanation: The parable of the sparrow, emphasizing the brevity and uncertainty of human life, was indeed recounted during a council meeting where King Edwin of Northumbria deliberated on adopting Christianity, serving as a powerful metaphor for the decision.

Explanation: The Council of Whitby, as recounted by Bede, was a pivotal event that resolved disputes between Celtic and Roman Christian traditions. Its outcome led to the adoption of Roman practices, particularly concerning the calculation of Easter, thereby establishing Roman customs as dominant within the English church.

Explanation: Bede indeed identified Pope Gregory the Great as the primary initiator of the Christianization of the English, referring to him as the 'true apostle of the English,' and extensively documented the Gregorian mission in his *History*.

Explanation: The *Libellus responsionum* (Book of Replies) within Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* comprises questions posed by Augustine of Canterbury to Pope Gregory the Great concerning various aspects of church practice and doctrine in newly converted England, along with Gregory's authoritative responses.

Explanation: Book 1 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* begins with a geographical overview and covers the period from Julius Caesar's invasion in 55 BC up to the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury in 597 AD, and slightly beyond, concluding around AD 603.

Explanation: Bede details the Council of Whitby, a pivotal event in English church history concerning the dating of Easter and other practices, within Book 3 of his *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*.

Explanation: Book 4 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* details the consecration of Theodore of Canterbury as Archbishop and subsequently chronicles Wilfrid's efforts to evangelize the Kingdom of Sussex, illustrating the church's expansion and organization.

Explanation: Bede dedicated his *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* to King Ceolwulf of Northumbria, indicating a close relationship and the king's interest in the historical work.

Explanation: Book 5 of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* extensively discusses the controversy surrounding the correct calculation of Easter. Bede criticized the Welsh and Irish for celebrating at variance with Roman tradition but expressed satisfaction that the Roman date was eventually adopted.

Explanation: The parable of the sparrow, emphasizing the brevity and uncertainty of human life, was recounted during a council meeting where King Edwin of Northumbria deliberated on adopting Christianity, serving as a powerful metaphor for the decision.

Explanation: The Council of Whitby, as detailed by Bede, is considered a pivotal event in English history. It resolved disputes between Celtic and Roman Christian traditions, particularly concerning the calculation of Easter, ultimately leading to the dominance of Roman practices within the English church and solidifying its ties to the papacy.

Explanation: Bede identified Pope Gregory the Great as the primary initiator of the Christianization of the English, referring to him as the 'true apostle of the English,' and extensively documented the Gregorian mission in his *History*.

Explanation: The *Libellus responsionum* (Book of Replies) within Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* comprises questions posed by Augustine of Canterbury to Pope Gregory the Great concerning various aspects of church practice and doctrine in newly converted England, along with Gregory's authoritative responses, signifying Rome's foundational guidance.

Explanation: For the period preceding Augustine's mission (pre-597 AD), Bede primarily utilized earlier written sources such as Orosius and Gildas, along with letters from Pope Gregory I and existing traditions. Oral testimony was not his exclusive source for this period.

Explanation: For the period after 597 AD, Bede employed a combination of documentary sources obtained from various regions, including Rome, and carefully vetted oral testimony. He did not rely solely on written documents from Rome.

Explanation: The monastery at Jarrow, where Bede worked, was renowned as a major center of learning, possessing an extensive library acquired through the efforts of its abbots. It was far from being a minor institution with limited resources.

Explanation: Bede utilized Constantius' *Life of Germanus* as a source for his *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*. While the *Liber Pontificalis* (a record of papal biographies) was available, its direct use as a primary source for Bede's narrative, particularly concerning Anglo-Saxon kings, is less emphasized than other sources.

Explanation: Bede's correspondents provided him with crucial information specific to their regions. For instance, Daniel of Winchester supplied details about Wessex, and Albinus, Abbot of Canterbury, offered insights into the church in Kent. Their contributions were vital for covering affairs beyond Northumbria.

Explanation: Walter Goffart proposed that Bede structured his *Historia* around three key works: Gildas's *De excidio*, the anonymous *Life of Gregory the Great*, and Stephen of Ripon's *Life of Wilfrid*. While Bede used Prosper of Aquitaine as a source, Goffart's specific theory of structural framework does not prominently feature Prosper in this context.

Explanation: Bede's introduction was modeled on Orosius's *Histories against the Pagans*. While Stephen of Ripon's *Life of Wilfrid* is considered by some scholars (like Goffart) to have influenced the structure of certain sections, Bede's overall narrative structure was more directly modeled on Eusebius's *Historia Ecclesiastica*.

Explanation: Bede's *History* exhibits notable gaps in its coverage of Mercian church history, largely because he lacked direct informants from Mercian monasteries. This is identified as a significant omission or bias in his work.

Explanation: Bede's extensive experience in writing saints' lives (hagiography) and his deep knowledge of *computus* (the calculation of ecclesiastical calendars, particularly Easter) were directly relevant and preparatory for his work on the *Ecclesiastical History*. These skills honed his narrative abilities and provided expertise crucial for addressing themes within the *History*.

Explanation: The *Liber Pontificalis* is a collection of biographies of popes. While Bede may have consulted it, it primarily provided information on papal history, not detailed accounts of Anglo-Saxon kings. Its direct relevance as a primary source for Bede's narrative on kings is limited compared to other sources.

Explanation: For the period preceding Augustine's mission (pre-597 AD), Bede primarily utilized earlier written sources such as Orosius, Gildas, and Prosper of Aquitaine, along with letters from Pope Gregory I and existing traditions. Oral testimony was not his exclusive source for this period.

Explanation: For the period after 597 AD, Bede employed a combination of documentary sources obtained from various regions, including Rome, and carefully vetted oral testimony. He did not rely solely on written documents from Rome.

Explanation: The monastery at Jarrow, where Bede worked, possessed an excellent library. This was largely due to the efforts of Benedict Biscop and Ceolfrith, who had acquired numerous books from the European continent, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment.

Explanation: The *Anglo-Saxon Chronicle* was compiled significantly later than Bede's *History* and therefore could not have been a source for it. Bede utilized earlier works like Constantius' *Life of Germanus*, Eddius Stephanus' *Life of Wilfrid*, and correspondence from Pope Gregory I.

Explanation: Bede's correspondents provided him with crucial information specific to their regions. For instance, Daniel of Winchester supplied details about Wessex, and Albinus, Abbot of Canterbury, offered insights into the church in Kent. Nothhelm helped obtain copies of Gregory the Great's correspondence. Their contributions were vital for covering affairs beyond Northumbria.

Explanation: Walter Goffart proposed that Bede structured his *Historia* around three key works. For the section concerning the Gregorian mission, Goffart suggested the anonymous *Life of Gregory the Great* served as a primary structural framework.

Explanation: Bede explicitly followed Eusebius's *Historia Ecclesiastica* as a model for the overall narrative structure of his own work, applying its approach to the history of the Anglo-Saxon church.

Explanation: Bede's *History* exhibits notable gaps in its coverage of Mercian church history, largely because he lacked direct informants from Mercian monasteries. This is identified as a significant omission or bias in his work.

Explanation: The primary focus of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is the history of the Christian Church in England and the spread of Christianity, rather than solely political and military affairs. Christianity is central to the narrative.

Explanation: Scholars suggest that Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*, by providing a shared narrative of religious development and key unifying events, contributed to the nascent sense of an English national identity among the diverse Anglo-Saxon peoples.

Explanation: Indeed, Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* had a significant didactic purpose. He employed historical narrative not merely for factual recording but also to impart moral lessons and promote specific religious and political viewpoints.

Explanation: Bede exhibited partisanship towards his native Northumbria, dedicating more attention to its affairs and often contrasting it favorably with other kingdoms, particularly Mercia. The statement that he showed partisanship *towards* Mercia is incorrect.

Explanation: Bede held a high regard for Irish missionaries, considering them more dedicated and effective than some of their English counterparts. He frequently praised figures like Aidan and Columba for their evangelistic efforts.

Explanation: Bede did include accounts of miracles and visions in his *History*. However, he generally presented them as moral exemplars to encourage virtuous behavior and piety, rather than as sensational elements that might detract from the historical narrative. He was also judicious in their inclusion, avoiding the most extraordinary tales.

Explanation: Bede emphasized that the conversion of Britain was largely the work of missionaries from Ireland and Rome, not primarily native Britons. He suggested that the Britons' failure to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons was a consequence of their own lack of missionary zeal and adherence to Roman practices.

Explanation: Bede's consistent use and promotion of the Anno Domini (AD) dating system, developed by Dionysius Exiguus, in his influential *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* was instrumental in its widespread adoption across Western Europe.

Explanation: Bede's observation regarding Northumbrians forsaking military pursuits for monastic life, coupled with his cautious remark about the future outcome, implies potential societal shifts. This can be interpreted as suggesting a possible weakening of military strength or a critique of the blurring lines in quasi-monastic communities, a theme he explored elsewhere.

Explanation: Bede's primary historical concern was the organization and development of the English church. Secular history was secondary, included only when it illuminated ecclesiastical events or served a moral lesson. Detailed political intrigue and courtly violence were not his main focus, unlike modern historical priorities.

Explanation: Scholars suggest that Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*, by providing a shared narrative of religious development and key unifying events, fostered a sense of collective identity and contributed to the nascent concept of an 'English' people.

Explanation: Bede's observation regarding Northumbrians forsaking military pursuits for monastic life, coupled with his cautious remark about the future outcome, implies potential societal shifts. This can be interpreted as suggesting a possible weakening of military strength or a critique of the blurring lines in quasi-monastic communities, a theme he explored elsewhere.

Explanation: The primary focus of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is the history of the Christian Church in England and the growth and spread of Christianity throughout the land, rather than solely political or military events.

Explanation: Scholars suggest that Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*, by providing a shared narrative of religious development and key unifying events, contributed to the nascent sense of an English national identity among the diverse Anglo-Saxon peoples.

Explanation: Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* had a significant didactic purpose. He employed historical narrative not merely for factual recording but also to impart moral lessons and promote specific religious and political viewpoints.

Explanation: Bede exhibited partisanship towards his native Northumbria by amplifying its role in English history, dedicating more attention to its events, and often contrasting it favorably with other kingdoms, particularly Mercia.

Explanation: Bede held a high regard for Irish missionaries, considering them more dedicated and effective than some of their English counterparts. He frequently praised figures like Aidan and Columba for their evangelistic efforts.

Explanation: Bede included accounts of miracles and visions in his *History* primarily as moral exemplars to encourage virtuous behavior and piety, rather than as sensational elements. He was judicious in their inclusion, avoiding the most extraordinary tales.

Explanation: Bede's consistent use and promotion of the Anno Domini (AD) dating system, developed by Dionysius Exiguus, in his influential *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* was instrumental in its widespread adoption across Western Europe.

Explanation: Bede's observation regarding Northumbrians forsaking military pursuits for monastic life, coupled with his cautious remark about the future outcome, implies potential societal shifts. This can be interpreted as suggesting a possible weakening of military strength or a critique of the blurring lines in quasi-monastic communities, a theme he explored elsewhere.

Explanation: Bede's primary historical concern was the organization and development of the English church and the eradication of heresies. Secular history was secondary, included only when it illuminated ecclesiastical events or served a moral lesson.

Explanation: The Old English translation of Bede's *History* is traditionally attributed to King Alfred the Great, although this specific attribution is now disputed by scholars. Pope Gregory the Great initiated the mission to England but was not involved in commissioning the Old English translation of Bede's later work.

Explanation: Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* exerted a profound influence on subsequent historical writing. The *Anglo-Saxon Chronicle*, for example, heavily relied on Bede's work for its early chronological framework, and numerous other medieval historians drew extensively from his text.

Explanation: Manuscripts of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* are generally categorized into 'c-type' and 'm-type' families. The 'm-type' manuscripts are predominantly found on the European continent, while 'c-type' manuscripts are primarily found in England.

Explanation: The first printed edition of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* was published in Strasbourg, Germany, by Heinrich Eggestein, likely between 1475 and 1480. It was not published in London in the early 16th century.

Explanation: Charles Plummer's 1896 edition, *Venerabilis Bedae Opera Historica*, with its comprehensive commentary, indeed became a foundational work for subsequent scholarship on Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*.

Explanation: The 'c-type' manuscript tradition of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* is predominantly found in England. The 'm-type' manuscripts are primarily found on the European continent.

Explanation: The Tiberius Bede manuscript (Cotton MS Tiberius C II), identified as a 'c-type' manuscript, contains Old English glosses added in the 9th century. This evidence indicates its use and annotation by Old English speakers within England, providing valuable insights into the manuscript's reception.

Explanation: The Moore Bede manuscript (Cambridge, University Library, MS Kk.5.16) is considered highly important for understanding the textual history of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*. As a very early 'm-type' manuscript, possibly dating from shortly after Bede's death, it is a crucial witness to the text's transmission.

Explanation: The Old English translation of Bede's *History* is traditionally attributed to King Alfred the Great, although this specific attribution is now disputed by scholars.

Explanation: The *Anglo-Saxon Chronicle* heavily relied on Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum*, using it as the chronological framework for its early sections, demonstrating Bede's foundational influence.

Explanation: Manuscripts of Bede's *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* are generally categorized into 'c-type' and 'm-type' families, distinguished by textual variations and geographical distribution.