Beowulf [A New Translation by David Wright] [Penguin Classics L70]

Description

1957 edition. Paperback cover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and bending. Spine has some reading creases and wear. Pages have some significant marks in pencil and the binding is secure.

This 1957 Penguin Classics edition of “Beowulf” is a seminal translation by David Wright, who sought to capture the alliterative verse and vivid imagery of the original Old English epic poem. Written around 1000 AD, “Beowulf” is one of the most important works of Old English literature, depicting the heroic deeds of its eponymous Geatish protagonist in his battles against monstrous creatures like Grendel and the dragon. Wright’s translation, published just over a decade after the Nowell Codex manuscript was damaged in a fire, aimed to make this foundational text accessible to modern readers while preserving its poetic essence. The pencil markings suggest an enthusiastic reader grappling with the nuances of this influential work, which has inspired countless adaptations across various media. A cornerstone of medieval literature, this well-worn copy offers collectors and readers a window into the roots of the English literary tradition.