"Beowulf"
A Verse Translation and Introduction

29.95

This new translation of Beowulf aims at rendering it closely from Anglo-Saxon (Old English) verse while maintaining its salient poetic qualities and literary appeal. Martin Puhvel's translation uses vocabulary that makes the poem readable to all, preserving at the same time the poem's characteristic, somewhat austere mode of expression and the vibrant, powerful flow of its alliterative verse. The work also features informative preliminary chapters that present the basic facts, findings, and theories concerning Beowulf. In addition, the elaborate "Notes and Comments" section following the text of the translation provides detailed information relevant to it, traces the motivational forces and other influences behind significant actions and speeches in the poem, and sheds light on various thought-provoking or challenging matters and issues in it or connected with it. An annotated list of proper names, genealogies of relevant royal families, a map of the geography of Beowulf, and a short list of recommended readings are also included, making this a helpful resource for students.

Part 1 Preface Part 2 The Poem and Its Background Chapter 3 I. An Epic of Folklore and Legendary History Chapter 4 II. Analogues and the Question of Sources Chapter 5 III. A History of Feud and Warfare Chapter 6 IV. The Religious Elements Part 7 Beowulf Part 8 Notes and Comments Part 9 Glossary of Proper Names Part 10 Royal Genealogies Part 11 Map: The Geography of Beowulf Part 12 Recommended Reading