Beowulf
Beowulf by Meghan Purvis, published by Penned in the Margins in 2013, presents a contemporary translation of the Anglo-Saxon epic poem. This edition, comprising 110 pages, captures the intensity of battle and the atmospheric landscapes of Dark Age Denmark through a variety of poetic forms and voices. Purvis’s translation aims to bring the narrative to life, exploring the hero’s struggle against formidable foes while highlighting the treasures and traditions of the mead-hall.
Readers will find an innovative interpretation that blends faithful translation with re-workings and alternative viewpoints. The work delves into themes of heroism and conflict, offering a fresh perspective on this classic text. Purvis’s approach emphasizes the vibrancy of language, making this edition a distinctive contribution to the literary criticism of medieval poetry.
Official synopsis Publisher
PBS Recommended Translation for Spring 2013
The Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf is brought to life by American poet Meghan Purvis in a vigorous contemporary translation. Written across a range of poetic forms and voices, this rendering captures the thrust and gore of battle, the sinister fens and moorlands of Dark Age Denmark, and the treasures and glories of the mead-hall. But can the hero defeat his blood-thirsty foes, save the Geats from being wiped off the map, and claim his just rewards?
Combining faithful translation with innovative re-workings and poems from alternative viewpoints, Purvis has created an exciting new interpretation of Beowulf – full of verve and the bristle of language.
Meghan Purvis received her MA and PhD in Creative Writing from UEA. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Rialto, The Frogmore Papers and Magma. She won the 2011 Times Stephen Spender Prize for an excerpt from her translation of Beowulf; another poem was commended. She lives in Cambridge.
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