About "Beowulf"

"Beowulf" is the most celebrated epic poem in the English language, a sprawling, fantastical tale of bravery, heroism and Anglo-Saxon heraldry. The story of the great Geatish fighter Beowulf, who comes to the aid of the beleagued Hrothgar and his men, this is a tale in verse of three epic battles: Beowulf's fight with the monster Grendel, his face-off with Grendel's vengeful mother and, after serving as King for fifty years, Beowulf's fateful clash with a fire-breathing dragon.

Francis B. Gummere's translation of this ancient text has been hailed for over a century and is here brought back to life with a summary of the poem by the English scholar Dr. J.L. Hall.