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Beowulf
- A New Translation
- Narrated by: Seamus Heaney
- Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins
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Beowulf
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Summary
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.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about Beowulf
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- E P
- 15-06-19
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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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jeni burton
- 27-11-22
Fabulous
Great story told superbly by the inimitable Seamus
Would highly recommend this recording to anyone interested in old tales
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Jodie
- 06-02-23
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 30-01-24
Tale
What a classic! Easily understandable. Well read and translated. An inspiring tale for the ages.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dog in a Flat Cap
- 13-03-18
Seamus’ delivery a tad dry!
I bought the text version as well as the audio version, and found it most gripping to read but very dry to listen to, comparatively! It’s lovely to hear the poet himself read his translation aloud, but he reads it as if he’s doing a poetry reading, not performing an epic. And it needs to be performed. A distinct lack of drama or variation in his tone, just reciting lines. Come on Seamus, do better... !
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Elke M Huismans
- 05-12-17
Beautiful. Honour without irony. Grave and just.
Better than reading it; lovely to listen to Heaney read it himself. Enjoyed it very much.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Leks Drakos
- 16-02-24
It's Beowulf.
If you're considering listening to Beowulf, you know what to expect. And it's Seamus Heaney. It pretty much speaks for itself.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Maria Rogers
- 30-07-20
Recommend
Seamus Heaney has brought an ancient tale to live in the 21st century. Highly tecommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Emerson Mayes
- 16-08-19
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paul K.
- 30-12-23
Love this
Heaney is pitch perfect. I can listen to this over and over again,…and I do.
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