Beowulf

By: Robert K. Gordon, translator

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Beowulf is considered the finest heroic poem in Old English. It celebrates the character and exploits of Beowulf, a young nobleman and warrior, as he proves his superhuman strength and endurance. He also represents the ideal lord and vassal, rewarding his men generously and accomplishing glorious deeds to honor his king.

The narrative falls into two parts. Beowulf first rescues the royal house of Denmark from two marauding monsters; then, after having ruled his people for fifty years, he is called on to combat a dragon that is terrorizing the countryside.

The poem combines mythical elements, Christian and pagan sensibilities, and actual historical figures and events in a narrative that ranges from vivid descriptions of fierce fighting and detailed portrayals of court life to earnest considerations of social and moral dilemmas. Remarkable for its sustained grandeur of tone and its brilliance of style, it is presented here in an authoritative prose translation by Robert K. Gordon.

To supplement the full text version of Beowulf, listen to the SparkNotes Guide for Beowulf.

©2004 Blackstone Audiobooks (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Translator Preferred

While I would personally prefer the translation of Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien the Gordon translation is generally preferred and is quite excellent. Well read and presented by the reader this is a must read for those interested in early literature of the early Middle Ages. No one who's picked up at least a B.A. in English or the humanities has missed reading this classic of European literature, but it's interesting to revisit it in an audible format.

Ancient Literature - Wonderful!

We owe it to ourselves to pick up an ancient story or poem once in a few reads. Make sure you pick up "Grendel" by John Gardner for a "monster's point of view" *** Read Unabridged and capture all the author's thoughtful insights ***

Clear and exciting narration

Probably the best unabridged recording of "Beowulf" available. It's the whole thing, in an old-fashioned but easily-followed translation, read with force and emotion by Robertson Dean. I have only one small quibble: the pronunciation of "Geat" is inconsistent. It's not the easiest term to pin down; in readings by different people I've heard "geet," "gat," and "gay-at." (I believe the original pronunciation was something like "yat.") I don't care which one is right, but I heard two of the three in this recording (it finally settles on "gat"). The story does ramble a bit after Grendel's mother is killed, but neither translator nor reader should be faulted for that.

Had A Hard Time Following.

What disappointed you about Beowulf?

My brain is not smart enough to process Old English. Ha!

What could Robert K. Gordon and translator have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing! I just don't think it was quite up my alley.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the monster came into the Hall and tore them all apart. :)

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I wanted to read it to add to my 'classics' list. But the wording was hard to focus thru.

Excellent Rendition!

I recommend this version for my classical high school students to listen to, as they read the words in print form. The combination of the unabridged format narrated by such a strong masculine voice makes for wonderful listening! Well done!

Very Hard to Follow

What disappointed you about Beowulf?

I found it very hard to follow. The archaic language makes it difficult to realize which character is doing what. This is the first audible book that I would have been better off reading instead of listening to.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Well, I read the book in school and didn't like it. I thought I would try it again as an adult thinking I would appreciate it more. But the language is hard to follow because it is archaic.

What aspect of Robertson Dean’s performance would you have changed?

I can't think of anything. The performance was good, but I couldn't follow the characters well.

What character would you cut from Beowulf?

Beowulf himself?

Any additional comments?

Probably just me. Maybe I should have concentrated more.

Excellent Translation and Performance

Bad reviews on this audiobook seem to be from people who didn't understand what they were buying in the first place- a book of Saxon epic prose.

Brought the Story to Life!

Robertson Dean did an excellent job of bringing this book to life!
The book itself is an intriguing look at what life was like way back in Ancient History. Highly recommend!

Not the best version out there

While this translation seems to capture the meaning of the original text, it loses a lot of the magic. Even prose (as opposed to poetry or verse) can benefit from an attention to rhythm, which is lacking here.

To make matters more difficult, this narrator consistently hisses on sibilants. Many people do, but a combination of paying attention to not doing so, and sound engineering after recording, goes a long way to making the narrative less hisssssy.

That said - this is one of the great stories. One of the oldest stories we know that isn’t religious mythology, too. I appreciate the effort put into preparing a translation and narrating it for modern audiences.

The narrator did a great job, good story, too.

The narrator did a great job. As for the story, I believe most of the new video games, especially fantasy and slash and dash games, have taken inspiration from Beowlf.
Both the story and the narrator have made me feel like I'm watching and playing a video game, and it was a fun experience.
The only thing that was difficult to follow was the characters because the majority had unfamiliar names to me.

One to read before you die

A great version of this classic.

Not sure if it would be easier to read than listen to as it is in old English/Anglo Saxon English.

Nevertheless one of the hundred titles to read before you die.

Why always American (voice) actors for Beowulf?

Beowulf is of course a wonderful story. I'm not saying anything about that. And the performance is good too, that also is really not a problem. However... I have yet to find a performance of this magical story by an English (voice) actor. Every single one of the many different versions is by an American! Except for the translation by Heany, of course. And I have no problem with American voices, I really don't - for American stories. Not for English - or Old English - material. That really should be performed by an English voice, not an American one.

So if this is something you don't mind, then I'd definitely recommend this version, because the performance is good and felt. If the American pronunciation disturbs you like it does me, then maybe not for you.

Beautiful but slightly confusing

I love this story because it gives us a window into a forgotten world. it is I understand also the oldest surviving story in the English language. However, even with this well read excellent translation the hearer still may find the story a little confusing. all the same though it's a brilliant, heroic tale from the long forgotten dark ages. so it is worthy of the highest praise.