Anglo-Saxon Poetry

by Robert K. Gordon

This is a revision of the translation which R.K. Gordon, formerly Professor of English in the University of Alberta, made of his own selection of Old English poetry of all kinds extending over the whole period from the seventh to the eleventh century. It includes heroic poems in the old tradition composed in the seventh century, but dealing with persons and events much further back in time, such as Beowulf, Waldhere and Deor. The later epics include The Battle of Maldon, a panegyric on the warriors of Essex and their commander, Byrhtnoth, who were killed in action over nine and a half centuries ago.

Almost the entire contents of the famous Exeter and Vercelli manuscripts are translated and Professor Gordon has rendered into modern English many of the better known religious poems, including Genesis, Exodus, Daniel and the Dream of the Rood, which date from before the Danish invasion; and six of the finer elegies, among them The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Wife's Lament and The Ruin, which seem to foreshadow the characteristic English poetic vein which persisted down to the eighteenth century and later. There is also a generous selection from the old riddles and charms which are undateable bur obviously derived from traditions of pagan times, and contain themes recognizable in nursery stories and popular tales down to the present day.

Genres: Poetry, Anglo Saxon

334 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1926

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good collection of Old English poetry, maybe a little dated now but even modern scholars still say how good the Beowulf translation is. Alongside Beowulf Gordon gives prose translations of the biblical (Cædmonian) epics, Cynewulf, Elegies, heroic poems and much more. The book is very easy and cheap to find secondhand and makes an ideal starting point for people who are curious about Old English.

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very dense read. It contained a lot of Christianity-based works like "Genesis," a story of Constantine's mother Helena, and the "Dream of the Rood." However, if you are looking for secular poetry (as I was) such as "The Wanderer" and "The Battle of Maldon," then the Anglo-Saxon World: An Anthology by Kevin Crossley-Holland (Editor) is a better, more modern translation.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really nice to get to read some of these poems again. I really do enjoy this style of poetry even if it is a bit dated. The ideologies of the Anglo-Saxons have always intrigued me. Their poetry just makes me want to learn even more. I guess I just had an excellent teacher who passed on his knowledge of the works. He was a wonderful influence.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! This translation is well done...I definitely recommend reading it in the Anglo-Saxon as well.