Readings on "Beowulf"

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Critical interpretations are prefaced by brief introductory biographical notes on the authors, all noted essayists and authorities on the epic. Essays are divided into three thematic chapters: "Social and Cultural Context," "The Heroic Character," and "Thematic and Structural Issues." The slim volume includes 10 pages of exposition on the poem's author and his world as well as a chronology, brief bibliography, and a fairly comprehensive index. Judicious editing has improved readability without compromising information or intent. Similar material is available in George Clark's Beowulf (Twayne, 1990) and Harold Bloom's Beowulf (Chelsea House, 1996) as well as European Writers (Scribners, 1991). Marie Lazzari's Epics for Students (Gale, 1997) also includes works by the same critics. However, none of the selections are identical to these, although some paragraphs may repeat. A useful collection.-Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA