Beowulf: An Introduction to the Study of the Poem With a Discussion of the Stories of Offa and Finn (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

R. W. Chambers

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0331583011 ISBN 13: 9780331583014

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2017

Synopsis

Beowulf through history and myth, with careful scholarly guidance you can trust.

This study presents Beowulf as more than a single legend. It surveys the poem’s historical elements, non‑historical elements, and the many theories about its origin, date, and structure. Drawing on a wide range of sources, it maps the Beowulf story to its Scandinavian and English contexts, and it examines how archaeology, genealogy, and manuscript history shape our understanding. The book also includes documents and extracts that illuminate the Beowulf story and its offshoots, including the Finnsburg episode and the life of Offa, to help readers see connections across medieval literature.

• Learn how scholars separate history from folklore in Beowulf
• Explore the poem’s sources, parallels, and possible classical influences
• See how editors and translators use manuscripts and external texts to reconstruct the tale
• Read about the Finnsburg fragment, Offa’s story, and related saga material

Ideal for readers new to Beowulf and for students seeking a clear, source‑based guide to its origins, context, and enduring questions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0331583011
• ISBN 13: 9780331583014
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 446