Review (PDF) Beowulf: A New Prose Translation
This book is a highly accurate, new prose translation of the classic Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf. The greatest and most important of the Anglo-Saxon epic poems, the 1200-year-old Beowulf is one of the earliest pieces of literature in the English language. Though in English, the story is set in Scandinavia, where the Anglo-Saxon races lived before migration to England. It tells of the hero, Beowulf, who kills the monster Grendel after the dragonlike beast terrorizes the mead-halls, carrying off and eating the Thanes that are under Beowulf's protection. Fascinating for its story, the echoes of myth and early religion, Beowulf is critical reading for anyone interested in the blend of the Pagan and Christian traditions among the Anglo-Saxons. This edition is a readable prose translation.
Paperback: 58 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; (5th) edition (May 17, 1966)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0393096874
ISBN-13: 978-0393096873
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #905,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #88 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > European > Norse & Icelandic Sagas #168 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Ancient, Classical & Medieval > Medieval #612 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Themes & Styles > Epic
Beowulf is an amazing story, and Donaldson's translation is suberb. HOWEVER, the black cover that just says beowulf in script is NOT a norton critical edition, it is just the Beowulf text with an introduction, and none of the essays that go with the actual Norton Critical Edition, which actually costs less. The Real Norton Critical Edition based on Donaldson's text has a blue cover, and says it is the "prose edition." I made the mistake, so don't make it yourself. The Black covered version is only 55 pages long, so the Beowulf text is all there, but nothing else.
Many and many tales of myth and legend have survived the countless years since their conception. But, very few of them are as compelling as Beowulf. Any fan of mytholology theology and philosophy will have a field day with this tale, and any fans of such other classics as the Odyssey, the Iliad, and the Gilgamesh, will deeply love, adore, and cherish this tale of trial and tribulation, and conquering the greater evil.
I was pleased to have a prose translation of this classic. The format and quality of the text is excellent. A very personal volume.
The product was exactly as advertised.
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