Beowulf: Finding Books

After an initial introduction to the poem, attention is focused on such matters as the manuscript context and approaches to dating the poem; the particular style, diction, and structure of this most idiosyncratic of Old English texts; the background to the poem (considered not simply with respect to historical and legendary material, but also in the context of myth and fable); the specific roles of selected individual characters, both major and minor; and the original intended audience and perceived purpose of the poem.

Presents eleven critical essays that analyze the structure, myth, and history of the Old English epic poem depicting the heroic deeds of Beowulf, a member of a Germanic tribe who travels to Denmark to help defeat a monster named Grendel.

Presents twentieth-century critical essays on the Old English poem "Beowulf" and includes a chronology, a bibliography, and an introduction by critic Harold Bloom.

Interpretations of Beowulf brings together over six decades of literary scholarship. Illustrating a variety of interpretative schools, the essays not only deal with most of the major issues of Beowulf criticism, including structure, style, genre, and theme, but also offer the sort of explanations of particular passages that are invaluable to a careful reading of a poem.

A companion guide to the epic "Beowulf" that traces the history and culture behind the poem, examines its symbolism, language, style, and structure, and explores how the poem has been used throughout history.