Beowulf: a new feminist translation of the epic poem

A new feminist translation of Beowulf by Maria Dahvana Headley, the author of The Mere Wife, offers a fresh perspective on the epic poem, highlighting elements previously untranslated into English. The book was awarded the Guardian, New Statesman, Spectator, and Irish Times Book of the Year.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2021
Publisher: Scribe Publications

A GUARDIAN, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, AND IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR

A new feminist translation of Beowulf, by the acclaimed author of The Mere Wife, has been released. Nearly twenty years after Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, and fifty years after the translation that continues to torment students around the world, Maria Dahvana Headley has brought forth a radical new verse interpretation of the epic poem. This rendition sheds light on elements that have never before been translated into English, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless tale.

A man embarks on a quest to prove his heroism. A monster seeks tranquility within his domain. A warrior seeks revenge for the murder of her son. A dragon brings the saga to a close. These familiar components of the epic poem are viewed through the lens of gender, genre, and history. Beowulf has always been a story of entitlement and encroachment—of powerful men seeking to become even more powerful, and one woman seeking justice for her child—but this version adds new context to an old story.

During the process of crafting her contemporary adaptation, Headley uncovered significant shifts that had been lost over centuries of translation. Her translation breathes new life into the epic poem, making it accessible and relevant to a modern audience while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

This remarkable translation is a testament to Headley's talent as a writer and her commitment to promoting gender equality and social justice. It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the power of storytelling.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911617822