Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Learn the Old English alphabet. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to look it up online. Mastering the letters shouldn't take you long, since there are only a handful of characters that aren't used in current English.
Step2
Purchase an Old English dictionary. You can use an online dictionary if you want, but paper-bound versions usually come with good editorial notes and more reliable definitions.
Step3
Purchase an Old English grammar guide for learning the structure and rules of the language. "An Old English Grammar" by Quirk and Wrenn is a good choice, but anything that lays the language out in an accessible and thorough way will do.
Step4
Find and read some easier literature in Old English. If you're a student at a college or university, be sure to check your library for anthologies of Old English prose and poetry. If you don't have access to a research library look for "Sweet's Anglo-Saxon Reader" in online bookstores.
Step5
Try reading through more difficult material as you learn more of the vocabulary. "Beowulf" is a classic, as are elegiac laments like "The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer."
Step6
Consider taking a college course in Old English language or literature. Having access to learning materials designed specifically for a course can really help you grasp difficult grammatical or literary ideas you might struggle with on your own.