Beowulf
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Beowulf
Poetry
James Mustich
Aug 7, 2018
Surviving in one manuscript dating from around AD 1000, and believed to have been composed some two or three hundred years earlier, Beowulf is a poem composed in Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, a language worlds apart from even Chaucer’s Middle English. Although written in England, the poem’s action is set in Scandinavia; it centers on the human warrior Beowulf’s courageous encounters with three foes: the beast Grendel, whose fierce attacks have been terrifying the Danes; Grendel’s mother, whom Beowulf battles in an underwater cavern; and, some fifty years on, an unnamed dragon who threatens Beowulf’s homeland in southern Sweden and whom the hero dies defeating. The drama of these battles enlivens the heroic atmosphere the poet conjures: Beowulf’s adventures unfold against a backdrop of stories and loyalties that, together with the monstrous nature of his adversaries, give this tale an ahistorical strangeness and power. Throughout his marvelous rendering, Seamus Heaney captures and holds fast the human feelings that animate this stirring saga.
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Daniel Bennett
Nov 6, 2018
Quintessential reading. This is the prototype that many others have followed.
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Anita Soja
Dec 26, 2018
For five years I have been teaching Beowulf to my sophomores and I always learn new things!! Such a strange, riveting tale.
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Alice Hutchinson
Jan 10, 2019
Although I seriously love Beowulf- there is nothing quite like listening to this version recited by the author. It allowed me to skip the struggle with all the 14-digit Scandinavian names and really hear the story.
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Rickey Landry
Feb 21, 2019
The original action story. Fantastic hero tale.
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Robert McManus
Mar 28, 2019
Wonderfully accessible version of this great story, Heaney breathes fire and excitement into the saga
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Aimee
Mar 29, 2019
Read this in high school.
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Len Blasiol
May 18, 2019
What's better than reading it is to listen to Seamus Heaney reading it. It was, after all, meant to be heard.
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Arch Stanton
Oct 2, 2019
Heaney's translation is phenomenal.
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Jane Huttner
Oct 8, 2019
I listened to Seamus Heaney's audio disc while I looked at the book. It was a wonderful experience to listen to it. It should be heard. I liked the book too because he added so many pictures and drawings of that time period so you could actually picture some parts of the poem.
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Dave Agrati
Apr 7, 2020
a
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David Watterson
Jul 31, 2020
Wonderful adventures, and hidden messages to dig out.
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Kevin Leahy
Nov 20, 2020
Great translation of the high school classic.
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Matt
Apr 2, 2021
Excellent story of strength and determination with a strong protagonist
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KKnauss
Jul 7, 2021
,y
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KKnauss
Jul 7, 2021
Essential reading for literary and mythology buffs. Beowulf is about heroism, courage, and honor. Therecis a good reason this epic poem has survived the ages.
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Paul
Jan 7, 2024
College
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Kati
Apr 8, 2024
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Erika
Jun 28, 2024
As a window to history.
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Jessica
Dec 12, 2024
l
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"1,000 Books To Read Before You Die" is a registered trademark of Workman Publishing, Inc. Based on the book: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich, (Workman Publishing Co., Inc.: © 2018 James Mustich)
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