Stories of Beowulf Told to the Children (Yesterday's Classics) [Paperback]

H. E. Marshall (Author), J. R. Skelton (Illustrator)

Book Description

The Anglo-Saxon saga retold in excellent English prose, with the heroic qualities emphasized. Relates how Beowulf, the hero of the Anglo-Saxons, journeys to Daneland, and how he overcomes Grendel, the ogre, and his mother, the water witch, then returns to his own land to serve as king. After 50 years of peace, the fire dragon makes war on the Goth folk and Beowulf goes forth in combat against it, vanquishing his foe but in the end losing his life in ridding his people of its frightful enemy. An outstanding introduction to this tale for children ages 8 and up.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A widely read author of history books for children a century ago, Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Her most famous work, Our Island Story, A History of England for Boys and Girls, was first published in 1905, followed quickly by Scotland’s Story in 1906 and Our Empire Story in 1908. She also authored A History of France, A History of Germany, This Country of Ours, and English Literature for Boys and Girls. In addition, she penned The Story of Napoleon and The Story of Cromwell for the "Children’s Heroes" series and contributed several volumes to the highly acclaimed "Told to the Children" series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Yesterday's Classics (November 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159915000X
• ISBN-13: 978-1599150000
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 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: #377,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to a great story, January 26, 2010

By 

Cordelia - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Stories of Beowulf Told to the Children (Yesterday's Classics) (Paperback)

I am using this book in my homeschool with my kids ages 6-8 to supplement our history studies. It is a beautifully-written book, taking the ancient epic poem and recasting it in story form. But the language is not "dumbed down", and the story is gripping. Usually I don't like reworked books of this kind. But in this case, this book has enabled me to expose my children to a story they would otherwise have to wait years to read, long past our studies of that time period. Or so I thought. But lo, my 8 year old has discovered my copy of Seamus Heaney's translation of the original Beowulf, and has begun reading it! I am convinced that "Stories of Beowulf" gave him enough comprehension to wade fearlessly through the original, or to even be interested in doing so! Great book. Great illustrations, a little blurry though.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A decent rewrite on Beowulf, December 7, 2010

By 

Cold fighter "My Critical Mind" (Philadelphia, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Stories of Beowulf Told to the Children (Yesterday's Classics) (Paperback)

I teach literature to middle schoolers, most of whom are home-schooled. I teach in a co-op. The literature mirrors the history class I teach earlier in the day. In history we are currently at the end of the Roman Empire when they are being besieged by the Goths. Beowulf is a hero of the Goths. In literature, I am attempting to let the students see how the cultures of the historic period they are studying think. We can do this by studying their literature. Henrietta Marshall's rewrite on Beowulf is a decent production, highly accessible to the middle school mind. Although the students did not appreciate the thee's and thou's and the somewhat formal English style, Beowulf did come across as a great hero, and one with values that did not seem apparent in the Roman Empire. Loyal to his king, Beowulf does not usurp the Goth king's throne, although he has the popularity to do so. At that time, Roman generals were constantly wiping each other out to try to lay claim to the Roman throne. This retelling of Beowulf was short and to the point, a nice translation that worked well for the student who is not entirely enamored of great literature, but who does like history and good stories.