Beowulf: A Verse Translation (Norton Critical Editions) by Daniel Donoghue

by Daniel Donoghue

Paperback

About the author

Daniel Donoghue is Professor of English at Harvard University. He is the author of Style in Old English Poetry: The Test of the Auxiliary and Lady Godiva: A Literary History of a Legend.

Reviews

[Christian Schwoerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Norton Critical Edition is based around the translation of the Old English/Anglo-Saxon Beowulf text. While I've read Heaney's translation in a stand-alone edition, this was the first time I'd had occasion to read the accompanying critical apparatus, which includes the JRR Tolkien essay, "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics" [1936], which served as the turning point in Beowulf studies (heretofore the long poem was treated as a historical or archaeological phenomenon rather than as a work of literature).

Especially illuminating for this reading of Beowulf were the accounts of how the anonymous author of Beowulf, writing in the late 10th century (presumed to be a member of the burgeoning Catholic Church), was actually writing about events that historically took place (or were recounted as oral saga) at least 300 years before. What is notable in this time, when only churchmen were literate, is that this particular prelate composed a laudatory story of pagan Norsemen, contrary to Bede and others who sought to quash all accounts of misguided pagan legend and practices.

[George Fowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still a great text even on the second read of the week. Heaney’s translation has a great sense of narrative and sound, and is clearly laid out. Brilliant for if you’re primary focus is the plot, tho I still lean towards the Chickering dual translation for the sense of the old English and to study academically. Great context section at the back and a wide selection of essays, a couple of which I read in full and the others I skimmed.

[bertha mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute banger --- wrote a lil metacritical review of Heaney's translation and its reception https://open.substack.com/pub/rachael...