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ducklord's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
3.5
dani_1405's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I don't really have many thoughts on this one. This really si just your classic fantasy story. On one hand I felt like I was back in an English lesson studying a required text, on the other hand this was just a really fun read. Just a great story of a brave warrior saving kingdoms from monsters and of course there's a dragon.
tamararama's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
charlietuna92's review against another edition
4.0
This is as close as anyone can get to taking a university course on Beowulf by Professor Tolkien. This book contains multiple sections: an introduction by Christopher Tolkien, Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf, his etymological and philological commentary to his translation of Beowulf, and his further writings: Sellic Spell and the Lay of Beowulf.
As a professor of Anglo-Saxon literature at one of the world’s most preeminent educational institutions, one could hardly find a better translator and commentator for this ancient poem than Tolkien. Through his commentary, it is easy to see just how deeply he understood his source material. He not only discusses his approach to the translation of the poem, but defends his word choices and overall concept of the saga. He throws in historical and archaeological evidence were possible, and makes clear where the story deviates from history and ventures into the fairytale.
I loved the Lay of Beowulf provided at the end. Both versions had such gorgeous structure and descriptive language. But I would expect no less from talking, especially after reading the number of lays that he devised for his Lord of the Rings world.
This was really interesting to read, and even if the etymological discussion of Anglo Saxon went over my head most of the time, his commentary contributed a lot to my understanding of his translation.
As a professor of Anglo-Saxon literature at one of the world’s most preeminent educational institutions, one could hardly find a better translator and commentator for this ancient poem than Tolkien. Through his commentary, it is easy to see just how deeply he understood his source material. He not only discusses his approach to the translation of the poem, but defends his word choices and overall concept of the saga. He throws in historical and archaeological evidence were possible, and makes clear where the story deviates from history and ventures into the fairytale.
I loved the Lay of Beowulf provided at the end. Both versions had such gorgeous structure and descriptive language. But I would expect no less from talking, especially after reading the number of lays that he devised for his Lord of the Rings world.
This was really interesting to read, and even if the etymological discussion of Anglo Saxon went over my head most of the time, his commentary contributed a lot to my understanding of his translation.
hhamlet's review against another edition
DON'T MIND ME! TEARS IN MY EYES AFTER THIS REREAD AGAIN!
catholicmama13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
felicitypotter's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
voglesby's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
lucysnowy's review against another edition
4.0
obviously beowulf is epic. i dont need to say that.
i will say that it was one of the best long poems i have read. it kept my attention throughout, which is a challenge in itself when it comes to long poetry.
i will say that i was completely baffled by the names. it was not helped by the fact that everyone in the world had a name beginning with h. so hard to keep track of.
but the battle scenes were exciting, the evidence of old english customs and practices was insightful, and i am very glad that i have read this.
i will say that it was one of the best long poems i have read. it kept my attention throughout, which is a challenge in itself when it comes to long poetry.
i will say that i was completely baffled by the names. it was not helped by the fact that everyone in the world had a name beginning with h. so hard to keep track of.
but the battle scenes were exciting, the evidence of old english customs and practices was insightful, and i am very glad that i have read this.
alisarae's review against another edition
This was the first time I read Beowulf. Don't sleep on that intro, it helped me enjoy the story more. It centralizes the question of the story: How do you make a legacy live on long after a life has gone?
The alliteration apparent in the audio accentuates the experience, 10/10, poets oughta aspire higher.
Now, about the modern slang. The "Bro!" bit is funny, but Beowulf's swagger shines best in the bold punchy lines. If you like your Bossip tweets saucy, then there is hope for you here. Persnickety pipe smokers best be packing.
The alliteration apparent in the audio accentuates the experience, 10/10, poets oughta aspire higher.
Now, about the modern slang. The "Bro!" bit is funny, but Beowulf's swagger shines best in the bold punchy lines. If you like your Bossip tweets saucy, then there is hope for you here. Persnickety pipe smokers best be packing.