Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition)

"Beowulf" is justly regarded as a cornerstone of English literature, but those of us who do not read Anglo-Saxon must approach it through a translation. Certainly there is no shortage of translations; I have at least a dozen sitting on my bookshelf. However, I would eliminate half of them as adequate vehicles for really appreciating this grand poem because they are prose versions. While they may accurately convey the literal sense of the Old English words and provide a readily understood storyline, prose can never adequately render the poetic essence of the original. Verse translation, however, is of necessity an imprecise art; poetry is too tightly bound to the language of its creator for a valid direct transposition to another tongue. Anglo-Saxon verse relied upon strong alliteration and a balance of stressed syllables rather than the use of rhyme and formally patterned meter as in later English poetry. The contemporary translator has a formidable and delicate challenge to transform "Beowulf" into a poem suited for today while remaining loyal to its ancient timbre. Although I greatly admire Ruth P.M. Lehmann's 1988 translation for its steadfast replication of the tone and cadence of the Old English original, there is truth in what another "Alliteration is a key element in Old English metrics ... but long stretches of it in Modern English will stupefy the most ardent reader". At times the beat and alliteration of Lehmann's verse threatens to overwhelm the present-day listener, becoming a deadening drumbeat. Yet, if the translator strays too far from the Anglo-Saxon structure in attempting to create something palatable for present taste, then the result inevitably lacks the bardic flavor at the heart of the poem. Achieving a fitting balance between the vibrant aural core of the original and the requirements of a contemporary reader is a matter of subtle artistry. It may be that Seamus Heaney is an ideal poet to meet that challenge in this era. He has produced here a work which, in its four-beat line and tempered alliteration, keeps faith with its source, yet avoids excessive archaisms which would alienate a Y2K ear. Still, Heaney allows the voice of the past to emerge here and there to keep us fixed in time, resulting in a blend of contemporary language seasoned with ancient echoes. Beowulf the warrior, virtually a caricature of exaggerated, implausible heroism in some translations, is rescued in this new version to stand revealed as someone credibly human. Heaney's translation is eminently readable, but does not sacrifice the poem's true soul. The Farrar, Straus and Giroux edition is a markedly handsome volume, a bilingual presentation with the Anglo-Saxon original and Heaney's translation on facing pages. The US publication was delayed a few months, and I would not be surprised to learn that release was intentionally held until after announcement of the Whitbread Award in the UK. Heaney's "Beowulf" beat the latest "Harry Potter" novel for that prestigious honor by a single vote, proving the adolescent wizard to be as formidable an opponent as a grim monster from a mere. To anybody who has been promising him- or herself to get around to reading this classic poem "one of these days" but has been deterred by vague memories of awkward verse from "Beowulf" may finally be here. Seamus Heaney's translation reads as smoothly as any prose, yet the poetry can always be heard, whispering in your ear.

Singularly wonderful translation, at once modern and faithful to tradition. The verse will carry you: trust the verse.

Like most people, I first had Beowulf shoved in my face, for better or worse, in high school. At the time I HATED it. Beowulf came off as a completely unlikeable god character who's ego was not only stroked by himself at EVERY opportunity, but (excluding Unferth) also by everyone he met! Maybe I hated it because my typical young, angst-ridden high school mind was just attracted to more vulnerable characters (see Ender's Game). Maybe I had been reading some other translation, dumbed down for American public school students. Maybe it was my British Literature teacher's droning apathy whenever she spoke about it. I don't know. What I do know: Something made me give Beowulf a second chance. I didn't research the different translations, hell, I think the first time I saw Seamus' name was when I first looked at the spine. I just happened to get lucky. The night it hit my doorstep I picked it up and read it in one sitting. Make no mistake, it was a pretty long sitting. I finally saw what everyone was always ranting and raving about, THE STORY IS FANTASTIC. The translation is beautiful, the characters moved me, and I fell in love with Beowulf. I even fell in love with UNFERTH. I also have no recollection, from my high school read, and was quite surprised of the Christianity that sneaks in throughout. There's all sorts of little "one true god" type quips that you might totally miss if you aren't paying attention. What really hit me was the whole warrior culture and how gifts and riches are bestowed at the drop of a hat. Even when, for example, Hrothgar is giving out prizes you've never even seen or heard of before, the weight of the bounty remains intact. You find yourself grinning at the abundance of shiny things and don't even care to know why Beowulf needs nineteen different wardresses. Also Beowulf has one of the best endings I've witnessed in any story. All around I was delighted, and more than happy with my decision to give it another shot. The Introduction is also surprisingly useful and interesting, but a word to the wise, when you come across the words "ABOUT THIS TRANSLATION," seriously just stop. Stop reading, I assure you, its just 9 pages of boring crap you will NEVER care about. The only little nugget of somewhat worthwhile information that is offered here is how he made his choice to open the poem with the word "so" instead of "hark." Seriously that's it, you're welcome. Five stars all around I'd recommend this book to anyone. Also I had no idea the Old English text was included alongside the translated. This is little more than novelty to me but its still pretty cool. ...Although it does kind of piss me off, knowing I could have bought the same book at half the size and price.

Por estudios

Love the detail it has in the front.

Seamus Heaney's Beowulf is a wonderful rewriting of the ancient Anglo-Saxon epic that gives fresh life to one of the most critical compositions of medieval literature. The publication in 2000 pulled off the feat of Heaney's version by rendering the translation both scholar-lively and profoundly poetical, catching the crude vigor of the original without turning the text incomprehensible to modern readers. Heaney brings a peculiarly Irish sensibility to this translation, giving the Old English text a lyricism that is reminiscent of the rhythms of his own poetry. His language is muscular and vivid, perfectly suited to the heroic narrative of Beowulf's battles against monstrous adversaries. The translation strikes a remarkable balance between archaic language and contemporary readability, allowing readers to feel the epic's ancient weight while understanding its nuanced emotions. It is the translation by Seamus Heaney of the heroic narrative in three major battles: Beowulf's battle with the monster Grendel, the fight with Grendel's mother, and his last battle with a monstrous dragon. Heaney gives words to the heroism, pride, and subtlety of the text-the powerful and poignant narrative voicing courage, death, and the transience of man's work. What makes Heaney's version unique is how he manages to render the original alliterative verse authentically and immediately. He keeps the poem's original sonic qualities while making the language sing in modern English. The facing-page Old English text is an added treat for those interested in the original linguistic landscape. This translation is more than a work of scholarship; it's alive, breathing, and speaking both to the original and directly to today's reader. Heaney has created a definitive version of Beowulf that is at once a rigorous translation and a profound work of poetic art.

Beowulf is a major piece of literature in and of itself. Its place in English culture and importance as a work of early English is indisputable. Coming on to his edition, the praises only continue. Its translated by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney. This is one of the most read versions of the epic and it is clear why. Somehow Heaney accomplishes to anchor Beowulf in contemporary English and keeps it comprehensible for the modern reader while also retaining its grandeur as an epic at the same time. Probably why he has a Nobel and I don't.

Great book. Sensational author and his translation!