This recreation of the epic Anglo-Saxon poem is achieved by retelling it in modern verse form; by providing pictorial images of the world of Germanic antiquity, Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon art, artifacts and scenery; by supplying an historical and geographical commentary on the times.

Marijane Osborn completes the process of restoring context to the poem by supplying a commentary to clarify the historical and geographical dimensions of the story as well as the imagery that accompanies it. All three work together to bring a likeness of an old and elusive tale to today's reader.