BEOWULF

George Guidall reading BEOWULF is getting to be a wonderful habit. Fifteen years ago his reading of the denser, far more alliterative translation by Francis Gummere became the standard. Today Heaney's translation, while it preserves the rhythm, much of the alliterative quality, the balanced lines, and the Old English kennings, is far more accessible to the modern ear. Add to the mix Guidall's mature, gravelly voice, crisp characterizations, and almost bardic rhythm. Thus, both the passionate young prince fighting the monster Grendel and the tragic old king meeting the fire dragon fifty years later take on a complex epic power. As if that weren't enough to complete the package, Recorded Books has added Heaney's own study of BEOWULF. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]