Scan barcode
metatree's review against another edition
5.0
I initially wrote a much longer review of this book, but due to some weirdness with GoodReads and some user error on my part, that review was erased.
I will say that this is an absolute classic. Seamus Heaney's translation is an attempt at capturing the rhythm of the old english used in the intial telling of Beowulf. I'm not an expert by any means, but this translation feels very authentic. I can imagine myself hearing this story told by a bearded bard around a smoky fire in some long wooden hall. It is considered by critics to be one of the best translations ever produced. If you want entry into the Beowulf story, I would highly recommend this as a starting point.
I will say that this is an absolute classic. Seamus Heaney's translation is an attempt at capturing the rhythm of the old english used in the intial telling of Beowulf. I'm not an expert by any means, but this translation feels very authentic. I can imagine myself hearing this story told by a bearded bard around a smoky fire in some long wooden hall. It is considered by critics to be one of the best translations ever produced. If you want entry into the Beowulf story, I would highly recommend this as a starting point.
profbanks's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely dazzling, virtuoso retelling of what can often be an archaic, monotonous text. She captures all of the patterns, kennings and cultural signifiers, while somehow turning it into something wildly fresh, full of trash talk and spitting rhymes. I want Headley to work with Lin-Manuel Miranda and make this the next great Broadway hip hop musical.
joshpatterson's review against another edition
5.0
By Anonymous, yes. But this translation by Seamus Heaney is one of the best modern translations. The melding of pagan and Christian world views in such a harmonious fashion - and so early - has long mystified historians.
pasc96's review against another edition
3.0
I was assigned this in high school, and remember enjoying it, as well as being awed by the sheer age of it. Stories really do survive for the ages.
949_peewee's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent translation. The essay by Haney at end of epic poem illuminates his choices in translating.
antitimm's review against another edition
4.0
The translation was good. The translator notes were amazing.
bookblight's review against another edition
5.0
I read this version of Beowulf for a coarse. It still has so much sentimental value to me. I adore this book.