Beowulf

Stephen Mitchell

Oct 2017 · Recorded Books · Narrated by Stephen Mitchell

About this audiobook

Stephen Mitchell's marvelously clear and vivid rendering recreates the robust masculine music of the original. It both hews closely to the Old English and captures its wild energy and vitality, not just as a deep "work of literature" but also as a rousing entertainment that can still stir our feelings and rivet our attention today, after more than a thousand years. This new translation - spare, sinuous, vigorous in its narration, and translucent in its poetry - makes a masterpiece accessible to everyone.

Ratings and reviews

One of the greatest stories ever told, beautifully rendered in contemporary English, whilst remaining faithful to the Alliterative Verse of the original text. The skillful alliteration lends an urgency and cadence to this poetry that allows this ancient story to really speak to us through the centuries. The values that the hero Beowulf displays – strength, valour, loyalty, piety – will never age. May he continue to be an inspiration to all forevermore.