Blog this item

Beowulf

By PENGUIN GROUP (UK), Michael Alexander (Translator), Michael Alexander (Contributor)

(114)

| eBook | 9780141902937

Like Beowulf?
Join aNobii to see if your friends read it, and discover similar books!

Book Description

Beowulf is the greatest surviving work of literature in Old English, unparalleled in its epic grandeur and scope. It tells the story of the heroic Beowulf and of his battles, first with the monster Grendel, who has laid waste to the great hall of the Danish king Hrothgar, then with Grendel's avenContinue

3 Reviews

Heaney's Beowulf: A Painting with a Worthy Guide

I appreciated this translation of Beowful like I would a painting, or a piece of classical music: indulging the rich colours and dramatic overtones, peering into the Dark Ages with curiosity and wonder at the mysterious poet - the original author - tackling the complex task of depicting this fresque ... (continue)

I appreciated this translation of Beowful like I would a painting, or a piece of classical music: indulging the rich colours and dramatic overtones, peering into the Dark Ages with curiosity and wonder at the mysterious poet - the original author - tackling the complex task of depicting this fresque in such poetic detail.
Yes, it takes a bit of intellectual effort and concentration to be able to visualize the colours, to hear the melody. This is not something to be read for the sake of the plot - though Tolkien fans may enjoy that too, I reckon. The poem does not offer any codes or observations that would be applicable in today's world either. It was, for me, and aesthetic experience above all.

Is this helpful?

Teodora said on Jan 26, 2011 about the Library Binding edition | Add your feedback

If you are a liberal arts student and especially an English Major, you were at least exposed to a smattering of Beowulf. If you haven't yet, it's time to read the whole poem in this wonderful verse translation. If you want a glimmer of what the original was like, you have that on the left page with ... (continue)

If you are a liberal arts student and especially an English Major, you were at least exposed to a smattering of Beowulf. If you haven't yet, it's time to read the whole poem in this wonderful verse translation. If you want a glimmer of what the original was like, you have that on the left page with the corresponding modern English on the right. It is a pity that more did not survive.
I was pleased to remember so much of my professor's comments from Wayne State in '71 or so. He mentioned that one of the few surviving texts (written down centuries later) had clearly been used as a cutting board: it had slices and stained rings where someone had set down a glass of wine.
Like all poetry, I consider this not "finished", but something I plan to re-read periodically.

Is this helpful?

Smithgp2u said on May 19, 2010 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

This rating is for this illustrated edition and I actually found the pictures annoying in this. Many only had superficial connection with the poem and for some, such as the example of a Scandinavian sunset, the connection is trite and adds nothing to enjoyment of the text.

Is this helpful?

huntch said on Feb 22, 2009 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback