[1] Parker studied Old and Middle English and Old Norse Literature at the University of Oxford.
[9] Her third book, Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year, was described by Kathryn Hughes as a "magical exploration of the weather literature left behind by the poets, scientists and historians of Anglo-Saxon Britain",[10] by Christopher Howse as "fascinating and authoritative",[11] and by Charlie Connelly as a "beautifully written account [which] transports us through each season in a deeply sensual manner".
[14] In a review for First Things Francis Young described the book as "a beguiling and compelling vision of sacred time" which "faithfully and richly portrays the distinctiveness of early Christian England".
[17] It was described as "unrivalled in bringing in outsiders to understand the reality of everything from the Dwarves' treasure to God's Darling" and "an orchard of golden apples" by Christopher Howse in The Daily Telegraph.
[18] In 2019, Parker read from the Knútsdrápur, and interpreted its meaning, in a programme for BBC World Service.