Synopses & Reviews
Beowulf, the major surviving poem in Old English, is composed in a language that is rich but often difficult. This edition makes the poem more accessible in its original language, and at the same time provides the materials necessary for its detailed study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As well as supplying a full textual commentary, George Jack includes extensive running glosses beside the text in order to facilitate the reading of Beowulf for students at any stage. Also included is the text of the Finnsburh Fragment, because of its special relevance to Beowulf.
Review
"Has excited a good deal of comment and acclaim by Anglo-Saxonists. It will supersede Klaeber's great edition (1950), standard for many years, because it is better directed to the needs of the student. The accompanying glossary and careful notes are especially helpful."--George H. Brown, Stanford University
"A major contribution to the undergraduate study of this difficult poem. Its existence may be a key factor in keeping alive at American colleges a close reading of Anglo-Saxon England's most significant and powerful poem."--Craig R. Davis, Smith College
"How I wish I'd see this earlier. This text strikes a wonderful balance between the needs of scholars and teachers, and those of students with an introductory knowledge of Old English. The introduction, notes, critical apparatus, and bibliography are first-rate complements to a carefully edited and intelligently glossed text."--Thomas A. Goodman, University of Miami
"This looks like a very useful volume--particularly for a course in which there will be a number of undergraduates."--Thomas D. Hill, Cornell University
"Very useful--either in conjunction with Klaeber, or to replace it. Really helps advanced Old English students to speed up their translating and focus on grammar. I actually looked forward to the translating this term."--C.M. Rose, Portland State University