A Critical Companion to Beowulf [Paperback]

Andy Orchard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2005

Beowulf is the best known and most closely studied literary work surviving from Anglo-Saxon England, and the modern reader is faced with a bewildering number and variety of interpretations about such basic matters as the date, provenance, and significance of the poem. A Critical Companion to Beowulf addresses these and other issues, reviewing and synthesising previous scholarship, as well as offering fresh perspectives. After an initial introduction to the poem, attention is focused on such matters as the manuscript context and approaches to dating the poem, before a lengthy discussion of the particular style, diction, and structure of this most idiosyncratic of Old English texts. The background to the poem is considered not simply with respect to historical and legendary material, but also in the context of myth and fable. The specific roles of selected individual characters, both major and minor, are assessed, and in a chapter on the degree of piety and Latin-derived erudition implied by the text consideration is given to the original intended audience and perceived purpose of the poem. A final chapter describes the range of critical approaches which have been applied to the poem in the past, and points towards directions for future study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This long-awaited book helps the reader to gain a clear grasp of the state of Beowulf scholarship. The breadth of learning and insight...will make this book an indispensable tool for beginner and advanced scholar alike. --Medium Aevum

It is hard to imagine a more thorough introduction. A generous, energetic, engaging work. The book will be important to Beowulf study for years to come. --Medieval Review

landmark study.and likely to be the reference one turns to for succinct and intelligent treatment of many issues in the poem. --TOEBI Newsletter

About the Author

Andy Orchard is Professor at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Toronto.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: D.S.Brewer (March 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843840294
• ISBN-13: 978-1843840299
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #771,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BAR NONE!, May 30, 2007

By 

Sören Fröhlich "SF" (San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Critical Companion to Beowulf (Paperback)

Yes, you still need the Klaeber (or at least the student's Jack edition) to get Beowulf. And yes, it's always good to read your Tolkien to get the basics...but that aside, Orchard is the ultimate, up-to-date academic resource to study this incredible text. It is very rich, well structured, with a great index, awesome passage maps and outlines, and fine translations of selected passages. Though intended for scientific work, it can still be read by non-English majors who love to know one central root of our modern myths, from movies to books. Orchard has something to say, he is not afraid to say it, but fair enough to mention even approaches that have become unfashionable today.