Beowulf: A Verse Translation and Introduction

by Martin Puhvel

Overview

This new translation of Beowulf aims at rendering it closely from Anglo-Saxon (Old English) verse while maintaining its salient poetic qualities and literary appeal. Martin Puhvel's translation uses vocabulary that makes the poem readable to all, preserving at the same time the poem's characteristic, somewhat austere mode of expression and the vibrant, powerful flow of its alliterative verse.

The work also features informative preliminary chapters that present the basic facts, findings, and theories concerning Beowulf. In addition, the elaborate "Notes and Comments" section following the text of the translation provides detailed information relevant to it, traces the motivational forces and other influences behind significant actions and speeches in the poem, and sheds light on various thought-provoking or challenging matters and issues in it or connected with it. An annotated list of proper names, genealogies of relevant royal families, a map of the geography of Beowulf, and a short list of recommended readings are also included, making this a helpful resource for students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761835127
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/25/2006
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

Martin Puhvel is Emeritus Professor of English at McGill University. He received his M.A. in English from McGill University and his Ph.D. in English from Harvard University. An accomplished author, he has written extensively on Old and Middle English literature. His publications include Cause and Effect in Beowulf from University Press of America, Beowulf and Celtic Tradition, and numerous journal articles on Beowulf.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface
Part 2 The Poem and Its Background
Chapter 3 I. An Epic of Folklore and Legendary History
Chapter 4 II. Analogues and the Question of Sources
Chapter 5 III. A History of Feud and Warfare
Chapter 6 IV. The Religious Elements
Part 7 Beowulf
Part 8 Notes and Comments
Part 9 Glossary of Proper Names
Part 10 Royal Genealogies
Part 11 Map: The Geography of Beowulf
Part 12 Recommended Reading

Editorial Reviews

This new translation of Beowulf serves a rather different purpose from Seamus Heaney's compelling rendition of the poem. Martin Puhvel aims for a close translation of the Old English, while retaining as much of its poetic quality as possible through the use of alliteration and similar stress patterns. It is readable, effective, and clear, and on the whole avoids archaism. The volume is intended to introduce readers without Old English to the poem, and contains useful background material, including extensive notes and commentary, a glossary of proper names, genealogies, a map, and recommended reading. The introduction to the poem discusses issues of folklore and legendary history, sources and analogues, feud and warfare, and religious elements.

Medium Aevum

This new translation of Beowulf serves a rather different purpose from Seamus Heaney's compelling rendition of the poem. Martin Puhvel aims for a close translation of the Old English, while retaining as much of its poetic quality as possible through the use of alliteration and similar stress patterns. It is readable, effective, and clear, and on the whole avoids archaism. The volume is intended to introduce readers without Old English to the poem, and contains useful background material, including extensive notes and commentary, a glossary of proper names, genealogies, a map, and recommended reading. The introduction to the poem discusses issues of folklore and legendary history, sources and analogues, feud and warfare, and religious elements.

Vol. Lxxvi Medium Aevum