Beowulf: an introduction to the study of the poem, with a discussion of the stories of Offa and Finn

by Raymond Wilson Chambers, C.L. Wrenn

Chamber's introduction to Beowulf is the most comprehensive study of the whole problem of this remarkable Anglo-Saxon manuscript. The original edition, published in 1921, began with a summary of the views held by previous writers on historical and non-historical elements in the poem, its date, origin and structure; this was followed by a collection of the Latin and Scandinavian documents furnishing parallels for various episodes and a detailed discussion of the Fight at Finnsberg and the relation of the Finn-episode in Beowulf and the relevance of archaeological finds. The second edition provided a supplement on work up to 1930 and an additional bibliography. This third edition, similarly, accounts for scholarship and publications since
1930. The Sutton Hoo discoveries of 1939, in particular, have made additions necessary. The original text remains unaltered since no major change of emphasis or interpretation is needed; but Professor Wrenn's new supplement and bibliography brings the book up to date.

Genres: Poetry, Anglo Saxon, History, Literature

628 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Raymond Wilson Chambers was a British literary scholar, author, and academic; throughout his career he was associated with University College London (UCL).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond...

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most comprehensive studies of Beowulf to ever be published and the title is a little modest because this is far from a beginners introduction to Beowulf, what it actually is is a huge study of the problems that face the academic who is already well versed in Beowulfian studies. The book was designed to be used in conjunction with Chamber's edition of Beowulf, which was sadly overshadowed by Klaeber's text. Fortunately this introduction has faired a little better and attained something of a legendary status amongst readers of Beowulf.

This introduction came in for some friendly criticism by Tolkien in his Monsters and The Critics lectures because it didn't contain a section on the poetic artistry used in Beowulf. Nevertheless, everything else is covered from the ethnic identity of the tribes and characters mentioned in the poem to Norse parallel material. Unfortunately, a lot of the parallel passages aren't translated into English but the reader can supplement this by using the English translations in Garmonsway's Beowulf and its Analogues.

This 1959 third edition was revised by C. L. Wrenn and takes into account the research done on the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the publication of Tolkien's groundbreaking Monsters and The Critics lecture and updates the already huge bibliography by adding works published upto 1959.

By modern standards this is a book that is now beginning to show its age, but its historical value far outweighs this and those sufficiently interested in the poem will marvel at the shear weight of scholarship that Chambers brings to bear on the problems associated with the poem.

A word of warning. The first edition of this book is available from various online stores in print and demand format and runs to 454 pages. It is worthwhile to track down the third edition copy that is expanded to an hefty 628 pages and takes into account advances in Beowulf scholarship that occurred during the period between 1921 to 1959.

[Bettie]

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34117

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated. But still the essential starting point for anybody wishing to delve deeper into Beowulf.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if Chambers' Beowulf, An Introduction remains the most comprehensive study of the poem Beowulf, but it certainly is the most comprehensive study I've read. Chambers discusses theories he adheres to and theories he can't support, but he always walks through a step-by-step explanation as to where he stands. One rarely sees such willingness to consider various viewpoints. I discovered Chambers through his text on the poem "Widsith" and having read and reread that book, Chambers has become a familiar voice. He is a delightful scholar and writer.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

After nearly a hundred years, this book is still the classic study of Beowulf. No serious Beowulf reader can afford to be without a copy.