Beowulf (Broadview Literary Texts) (Broadview Literary Texts Series) [Paperback]

Roy Liuzza (Author, Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1551111896 | ISBN-13: 978-1551111896 | Publication Date: December 1999 | Edition: 1

The classic story of Beowulf, hero and dragon-slayer, appears here in a new translation accompanied by genealogical charts, historical summaries, and a glossary of proper names. These and other documents sketching some of the cultural forces behind the poem's final creation will help readers see Beowulf as an exploration of the politics of kingship and the psychology of heroism, and as an early English meditation on the bridges and chasms between the pagan past and the Christian present. A generous sample of other modern versions of Beowulf sheds light on the process of translating the poem.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Liuzza takes account of recent scholarly research and provides a commentary, a collection of supporting texts, and an excellent introduction to this 'Christian poet's bittersweet elegy for the doomed heroic life.' His account of the peculiarities of Old English poetic style is particularly helpful." - Frank Kermode, The New York Review of Books "Liuzza has provided an invaluable volume for scholars and students of Old English in general, and Beowulf in particular. The translation is reliable and accurate, empathetic to the original, and thoroughly readable. Together with the accompanying detailed and accessible introduction, and the extensive range of additional texts and research tools, this is an exemplary, complete edition that deserves the respect and attention of Anglo-Saxonists everywhere." - Dr. Elaine Treharne, University of Leicester "This close and readable translation, put together by a scholar who knows so much about the poem and its craft, remakes the old tale in a new register. From the prickly dignity of overdressed spearbearers to the sad songs of beefy breakers-of-rings in their cups, there is much here to surprise and delight. Successive cohorts of students will be grateful to Professor Liuzza for his wise and informative introduction and notes." - Roberta Frank, University of Toronto "Liuzza's close translation of Beowulf reads accurately and smoothly. His lucid introduction illuminates the poem in all its complexity and power. The selection of analogues for the poem offers a few surprises as well as the old favorites. And the section containing renditions of the coastguard's speech from 19 other translations will allow students to compare versions done between 1805 and 1991. A wonderfully imaginative volume to use for teaching Beowulf to undergraduates." - Nicholas Howe, Ohio State University "Readers who wish for reliable access to Beowulf will welcome this fluent rendering of that Old English masterwork into modern English verse. In language that is free from mannerisms or clumsy literalism, Roy Liuzza makes the poem easily accessible to new admirers. What specialists and teachers will welcome about this book is the way in which the translation, with its helpful notes, is embedded between a masterful critical introduction and a set of appendices that includes translations of all the important analogues and ancillary texts. Together these make up an edition that many will want to use." - John Niles, University of California, Berkeley --John Niles, University of California, Berkeley

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Breakwater Books; 1 edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551111896
• ISBN-13: 978-1551111896
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and Accurate, March 30, 2000

By 

Tom Brezinsky (New Orleans, Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beowulf (Broadview Literary Texts) (Broadview Literary Texts Series) (Paperback)

RM Liuzza's long-awaited translation of the Old English epic is a wonderful way for people who do not read Old English to get to know this poem. Liuzza preserves much of the feel of Beowulf, from the rhythm to the alliteration. Students of Old English will also find the book a useful tool for checking their own understanding of the poem. The appendices in the back are very useful, and it's a beautiful book besides. I can't reccomend it enough, heck, buy it in hardcover.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This translation makes Beowulf accesible, November 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beowulf (Broadview Literary Texts) (Broadview Literary Texts Series) (Paperback)

I didn't expect to enjoy Beowulf. It is very old and very repetitive. However, the very interesting introduction and appendices make Beowulf interesting and relevant to modern readers, as well as easy to understand. There is a lot of supplementary material in this edition that gives Beowulf a context to help make it meaningful. The footnotes were very helpful as well. Overall, I liked it and recomend it to students studying Beowulf.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful translation of Beowulf!, August 25, 2008

By 

C. Stirling (NZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beowulf (Broadview Literary Texts) (Broadview Literary Texts Series) (Paperback)

I'm really pleased with my purchase of this Beowulf translation. Its flowing language makes it a pleasure to read, while also providing an accurate and academic translation. It makes translating from the original a much easier process.