Beowulf: An Imitative Translation [Paperback]

Ruth P.M. Lehmann (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1988

A translation of the poem that preserves both the story line of the poem and the alliterative versification of the Anglo-Saxon original.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- This translation intends to be more accessible than most, and more true to the rhythm of the original; it largely succeeds. Lehmann also includes an introduction which high-school students will appreciate for its survey of themes and overview of the plot. School libraries will appreciate this new version.

Copyright 1989 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A stunning accomplishment, Ruth P. M. Lehmann's Beowulf . . . consistently impressive and reliable, an authentic voicing of traditional verse animated by the vigor of Lehmann's word choice, energized by her deeply felt awareness of linguistic/rhythmic realities, and graced by frequently lovely and haunting turns of phrase. . . . Highly recommended . . . (Choice )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1 edition (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292707711
• ISBN-13: 978-0292707719
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,803,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one!, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beowulf: An Imitative Translation (Paperback)

Lehmann's lyrics - alliteratively laud And eerily echo - an English epic. How summoned Hrothgar - Hygelac's sister's son, The bold but not - boastful Beowulf To meet the monster, - murderer of men, Grendel, greedy ghoul, - haunter of Hart Hall. Cunningly he killed - the cursed one And the monster-mother - of the mere. But when he dared - the deadly dragon The greathearted Geat - gave up his Ghost. She truly tells - the twisted tale In words that warriors - declaimed with drink And unsheathed sword - in days departed. Other translations, - tepid and tedious, Pale before her - poetic power. (A clever companion - Gardner's "Grendel".)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I feel like a yeoman at the hearth, December 17, 2001

By 

William R. Russell "Rick" (Hawthorne, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beowulf: An Imitative Translation (Paperback)

I read some translation of Beowulf in middle school, and thought at the time that it was an interesting if archaic story. Having cut my teeth on Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons, Beowulf didn't seem to tread much new ground for me -- even if it was composed a thousand years before.

Then I picked up Ruth Lehmann's translation at an academic bookstore. Suddenly, the verse jumped off the page with a tone and rhythm that I never heard in the pedestrian translation of my early days. Was Dr. Lehmann a Scandanavian skald in a previous life?

Practically, there are times when the alliterative verse becomes a bit dense and disorienting, and for that reason alone I give this less than a 5-star recommendation. If you want the clearest modern English retelling of the Beowulf story, you should probably look elsewhere. But that shouldn't deter you from the lyrical quality of this translation. It's a magical experience that transports you to a cold and ancient Denmark.