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Because the Swedish Nobel prize committee only nominate authors who have a politically correct moral message in their writings.This means that Heaney would tone down any excessive nationalism, and hostility towards other ethnic groups, of the original Beowulf. So Heaney won the Noble prize. Then I guess this translation of Beowulf must be politically correct (PC). And use the story for his own idealistic purposes, by adding left-wing liberal values to the text, in an attempt to influence the readers with a political multicultural message for Europe's future, in which, for example, citizens will have to accept the colonizing spread of Islam. Ira Abrams review for the Norton Critical Edition seems to confirm this.If this is the case, then I prefer, for artistry's sake (and for political reasons), another version.
I have a copy for myself and I have purchased three copies in the last year for friends. Very easy to read. Translation is fast-paced, maintains original episodic velocity.
This is the most enjoyable to read translation anyone has ever published of this immortal classic. Heaney makes the language modern enough to be easily absorbed, but keeps it close enough to the archaic to avoid sounding inauthentic.Also, the set-up of the text (Anglo-Saxon on the left pages, modern English on the right) is great for studying the ancient language by comparison.
I bought this so I could brag that I had read it and be cool, but I never read it. Does that mean i'm not cool.
I think that if you love epic battles then you will love this book. He also puts little foot notes on the side to further explain the text.
this book is about the epic battles of our hero, Beowulf. He fights three major battles, one against the contorted Grendel, another against Grendel's demented mother, and finally he fights this dragon that "is guarding the night".
I read the book Beowulf: A New Verse Translaion (Bilingual Edition). Seamus Heaney does a terrific job of recapturing this poem.
I love the fact that the book gives two translations, English and Old English. This translation is good because it is easier to understand than some.
I really like this because I get distracted sometimes and they help me get back on track. I think that you should be about 14 or 15 to read this book and better understand it with no questions asked.
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