Beowulf (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

Spellbinding!

For a book this small, it is thicker than a series. The story will captivate you from page one and hold your attention in gravely strong hands. I remember reading Beowulf as a child in school but could not remember it's allure and the reason for the epic effect when hearing the name 'Beowulf.' Now I remember. Unlike the movie (which was grade A mythology in my opinion) Beowulf the book portrays a character unlike any other that I've read about in any other epic novel. I was simply blown away. Read it if you dare.

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Great story!

The story of Beowulf is spellbinding and the Barnes and Noble classics series is a wonderful series. However, if you want to really enjoy Beowulf you must read the translation by Seamus Heaney. It really is the ultimate translation!

4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

BEOWULF: AN AMAZING STORY

This book was an amazing read. IT captivates you from the moment that you read the first page. You can relate to the characters, and the author does a great job describing the events in the book. You are able to place your self in the characters body and you can see what he/she is seeing through their eyes.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Beowulf: An English Literature Classic

Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon poem, its origin remaining undated (conjecture abounds as to the period in which it was written), is a supreme example of classic literature. Yes, the epic poem has dragons and demons and some other mythological creatures humans have devised over the centuries however, what astounding story comes without a brilliantly powerful antagonist (or, in Beowulf's case, arch-nemesis)? Footnotes add flavor to this delightful, classical, easy-read epic poem. For readers, English majors, and people seeking a literary thrill, this Anglo-Saxon classic stresses the importance of bravery a genuine understanding of life and death, and that each will visit every mortal being and, finally, the poetic splendor of honor by valor.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

An Epic Tale

This book is a classic and heroic tale, a timeless piece for any book collection or personal library.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

awsome

a very good book. i bought it cause a friend recommended it. i loved it, just dont go see the movie it is entirly diffrent from this.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A thrilling read!

A great classic! The tales of Beowulf's struggles make this book a quick read. I read the abridged version in my English class, and I immediately wanted to know the whole story. This edition was extremely helpful in explaining the difficult parts. It is easy to see why this was a favorite of Tolkien! If you are looking for a story filled with action and adventure, this a perfect choice.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A outstanding new Beowulf

This Beowulf is remarkable for its transparency: instead of an intrusive translator-persona competing with the original, McNamara's energies are entirely directed toward polish: finding the better word, the more harmonious cadence, the more evocative phrase. In so doing, he not only gives the reader a superior view of the letter and spirit of the original, but a superior feeling for Beowulf's poetic intangibles.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

He has done a wonderful job.

The original Beowulf was written in Anglo-Saxon, probably around 600 AD. (So it's not really that ancient-- not compared to Rome or Egypt.) Burton Raffel has done an excellent job translating it. The lines are almost musical, and they flow well. The storyline too, is fascinating. It's about a time when warriors were heroes, and cowards and mere murderers were despised. Being a fair maiden, I have a partiality for heroes who slay monsters! All books have 'tastes,' and I think this one tastes good.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Awesome Book

A friend gave me this book to read, it is interesting. I recommend this book, goes well on a chilling night and warm fire.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A victory and a paradox

Although the hero of this story, Beowulf also becomes the victim in a most peculiar way. Read and find out how.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great telling of the Anchient

This Book is great. The telling by Mcnammara is awesome and he does a great job to bring you into the story. Always filled with action and undying loyalty and chivalry this book is a sure hit for any adventure enthusiast.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A 'Wulf' in Sheep's Clothing

I enjoyed this translation of the thousand year old poem because. The internal battle between Beowulf and Grendel is symbolic of my own internal demons.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A good archetype

The prose is a little convoluted, though it's hard to tell if that's from the translation or the nature of epics. The underlying story itself, of a hero and king, is presented a good archetype on which we base most modern heroes - strong, smart, and fearless overall.

It's slightly non-linear presentation is convoluted, the story teller frequently goes back and forth in time telling of past deeds and future events around the characters. Overall it makes the story a little hard to follow.

It's easy to see how any modern story teller can take the basic premise and create a solid work of fiction from it.

One of oldest known works of fiction

It was written over 1000years ago. Some language will probably confusing but is a piece of history

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Too many words to read

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Sample

The sample makes it seem good.

Good

I thought it was, but I only read the sample.

Confusedddd

I searchd good books for 8 yr olds and this book came up nine times. I looked at the reviews and it said brins back high school memories... good for fifteen yr olds or up. Who should i trust? My nook or people

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.