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Beowulf
- A New Translation
- Narrated by: Seamus Heaney
- Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
Non-member price: $26.53
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Publisher's 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
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- P.
- 20-09-2019
Buyer beware! Audible version heavily abridged!
Beowulf is an epic Old English poem of bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. The fight between Beowulf and Grendel is rightly famous, and soon followed by the fight with Grendel’s trollish mother. The last part of the poem tells of Beowulf many years later, aged and weary, and his final battle with a wyrm that threatens his homeland. Beowulf’s heroism in going to face his doom, battling against impossible odds is remarkable. Seamus Heaney’s translation is good. Some parts are excellent, and the book of his translation is worth reading, along with other prose translations by Swanston and Tolkien. But beware this audible recording. It is so heavily abridged that parts of the story make no sense. Unferth isn’t mentioned until the mere where Grendel’s mother lived, and Beowulf’s cutting off of Grendel’s head from his corpse is omitted. And other parts are chopped too. I really think Audible should clearly state on the info for this recoding that it’s abridged, so that buyers can make informed choices!!
13 people found this helpful
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Overall

- L D Wilkes
- 19-11-2016
Beowulf
This is the version translated and read by Seamus Heaney. I've had the book for years but never ventured in. I will now after hearing of Beowulf's brave exploits and heroic qualities. Heaney read well and the translation loses nothing of the sense of ancient history and myth. A really great introduction to a wonderful take. I listened on my walk to work and was often moved to tears.
6 people found this helpful
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- L. J. W. Cych
- 28-09-2019
Marvellous reading by Heaney
Enjoyed this immensely but be aware the book is abridged in parts in the adaptation.
2 people found this helpful
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- E P
- 15-06-2019
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
2 people found this helpful
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- EEL
- 11-01-2017
Abridged and declaimed
This recording is significantly abridged from the printed text and also differs in small details within the lines that are represented.
While it may be heretical to say so, I'm not sure that Heaney is the best reader of his own text: he appears to have gone for a kind of epic declamatory style that becomes rather monotonous. Of course it's always interesting to hear the author reading their own work, but I'd be interested to hear it in a rendering by an accomplished actor.
6 people found this helpful
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- LW
- 03-07-2019
Origin story / the hero’s journey
Important to read even better to listen to, we’re lucky to have this text at all. Beautifully read by Seamus Heaney.
1 person found this helpful
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- Elke M Huismans
- 05-12-2017
Beautiful. Honour without irony. Grave and just.
Better than reading it; lovely to listen to Heaney read it himself. Enjoyed it very much.
1 person found this helpful
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- H. Cadbury
- 02-05-2017
Beautiful poem read by one of the greatest poets
Such a pleasure to be able to hear the late, great Seamus Heaney read his version of this classic tale. Wonderful.
2 people found this helpful
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- thomas McGee
- 24-12-2020
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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- Maria Rogers
- 30-07-2020
Recommend
Seamus Heaney has brought an ancient tale to live in the 21st century. Highly tecommend.
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