Beowulf cover art

Beowulf

A New Translation

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Beowulf

By: Seamus Heaney
Narrated by: Seamus Heaney
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About this listen

Seamus Heaney’s new translation of Beowulf is a work that is both true to the original poem and an expression of something fundamental to Heaney’s own creative gift.

One of the great classics of English literature, it tells the story of a hero who wins glory and learns wisdom and is then called upon to face a final test against the monstrous.

There are obvious parallels to be found in the history of the 20th century, and Heaney’s Beowulf cannot fail to be read partly in the light of his Northern Irish upbringing. But it also transcends such considerations, revealing psychological and spiritual truths that are both permanent and liberating.

©1999 Seamus Heaney (P)2000 Faber-Penguin
Classics Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

"Heaney's intelligence, fine ear and obvious love of the poem bring Beowulf alive as a melancholy masterpiece, a complex Christian-pagan lament for duty, glory, loss and transience. Heaney has done it (and us) a great service." (Claire Harman, Evening Standard)
"A wonderfully unfazed and unfussy riding round the great barrow of the text itself." (Paul Muldoon, Times Literary Supplement)
"The whole performance is wonderfully intermediate - poised between the Bible and folk wisdom, between the Light Ages and the Dark Ages - and at the same time pulverisingly actual in its language. He has made a masterpiece out of a masterpiece." (Andrew Motion, Financial Times)

What listeners say about Beowulf

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Pure joy

This is wonderful, a pure joy. A recording to be cherished and played over and over again. Seamus Heaney’s voice stays with you long after the recording is over

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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

A feast to gorge on. A magnificent interpretation, beautifully narrated. The descriptive language is a masterpiece by a truly skilled hand.

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Tale

What a classic! Easily understandable. Well read and translated. An inspiring tale for the ages.

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Fabulous

Great story told superbly by the inimitable Seamus
Would highly recommend this recording to anyone interested in old tales

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Recommend

Seamus Heaney has brought an ancient tale to live in the 21st century. Highly tecommend.

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The only reading of Beowulf you need.

Read by the author of the best known translation. Beowulf is important. Listen to it.

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Love this

Heaney is pitch perfect. I can listen to this over and over again,…and I do.

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Rich retelling of the tale

I loved this, a great folk tale, narrated in the rich tones of Seamus Heaney - altogether sublime.

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Sensitive translation

Enjoyed every nuance so beautifully verbalised by Seamus himself. All the passion and emotion in his voice enabled the listener to be fully there in each moment.

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Yes!

A perfect story, perfectly performed. Let the drama of Beowulf entice you in, and may Heaney’s charm fly you far, far away in space and time.

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