Publication
Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press, [c1999]
Call number
Graphic / Hinds
ISBN
9780763630232
Original publication date
2007-03-13
Collections
Physical description
128 p.; 28 cm
Awards
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2008)
Description
This exhilarating graphic-novel edition of an ancient classic honors the spirit of the original as it attracts modern readers. The epic tale of the great warrior Beowulf has thrilled readers through the ages -- and now it is reinvented for a new generation with Gareth Hinds's masterful illustrations. Grendel's black blood runs thick as Beowulf defeats the monster and his hideous mother, while somber hues overcast the hero's final, fatal battle against a raging dragon. Speeches filled with courage and sadness, lightning-paced contests of muscle and will, and funeral boats burning on the fjords are all rendered in glorious and gruesome detail. Told for more than a thousand years, Beowulf's heroic saga finds a true home in this graphic-novel edition.… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member edspicer
Hinds, Garreth. (2007). Beowulf. New York: Candlewick. 128 pp. ISBN 0-7636-3022-5 (Hardcover); $21.99
In 2007 there were at least three versions of Beowulf published, which is probably more new editions of this book than we’ve seen in more than a thousand years. Certainly the fact that a very
In 2007 there were at least three versions of Beowulf published, which is probably more new editions of this book than we’ve seen in more than a thousand years. Certainly the fact that a very
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horrible movie of Beowulf also came out may explain its resurrection. Of the three, this one comes closest to capturing the drama that I see when I read this ancient epic poem featuring Beowulf battling the legendary Grendel and Grendel’s even more deadly mother. The other two versions have merit (and are far better than the movie) but it is this one that wins the prize. The deciding factor is the quality of mood set by the art in introducing the story. The ghost ship art setting the mood that this is a story passed down through the ages is fabulous. The next page showing the construction of Hrothgar and the intricate door panel carvings put you there and are faithful to the text. The battle scenes are sure to entice readers who NEVER would have picked this to read in ages past (the other books also have this strength). Nice job! Three versions of Beowulf! Wow! Show Less
LibraryThing member badgenome
A beautiful adaptation of Beowulf to the graphic novel format. Hinds is faithful to the source material - a refreshing thing, given the unfortunate post-modern readings of Beowulf that abound these days - and renders the Anglo-Saxon legend in a gloriously grim and gory fashion.
LibraryThing member lweddle
The graphic novel is beautifully done. It stays true to the original text. Although it is not a substitute for the original, it is a fine place to start for a beginner, or a fun supplement for the scholar.
LibraryThing member stephmo
Gareth Hinds has actually done two versions of Beowulf. This version is a colloquial translation aimed at the young adult audience. In the author's note Hinds states, "we have attempted to strike a balance between easy readability and the poetic drama..." While I will give credit for readability,
If someone were struggling with getting through Beowulf in general and it were a choice between not reading it at all, or perhaps skimming a Wikipedia summary, this would be the much better choice. Unfortunately, the text is not groundbreaking in any other way. This does cover the full poem - from the original battle with Grendel to the battle with the dragon in Geatland.
What is amazing is the artwork. The artwork is saved from Hinds's Complete Beowulf edition (different translation) and is not drawn, but painted. The paintings are fantastic and detailed. The battle for Grendle's arm covers 10 pages and over 60 panels - all without the text of the original poem. With this, you have the fluid action that demonstrates what made this epic story of heroes survive the oral tradition as long as it did, albeit in visual form.
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the poetic drama of Beowulf is largely stripped bare in this version.If someone were struggling with getting through Beowulf in general and it were a choice between not reading it at all, or perhaps skimming a Wikipedia summary, this would be the much better choice. Unfortunately, the text is not groundbreaking in any other way. This does cover the full poem - from the original battle with Grendel to the battle with the dragon in Geatland.
What is amazing is the artwork. The artwork is saved from Hinds's Complete Beowulf edition (different translation) and is not drawn, but painted. The paintings are fantastic and detailed. The battle for Grendle's arm covers 10 pages and over 60 panels - all without the text of the original poem. With this, you have the fluid action that demonstrates what made this epic story of heroes survive the oral tradition as long as it did, albeit in visual form.
Show Less
LibraryThing member elizardkwik
Can I just say that I do not like this story? This version was even more confusing and jumbled than others. The story was told mainly through monologues, which was fine, but they did not explain the action very well. The pictures were okay, but the violent and gory storyline are not my cup of tea.
LibraryThing member KbookB
The land of the Danes is racked with turmoil because, every night, their great hall is visited by a remorseless beast, Grendel. For years he has reigned with fear until a hero arrives to slay him. Beowulf arrives by boat from the land of the Geats, determined to slay the monster without sword or
Gareth Hind’s has created a wonderful adaptation of the classic hero tale. The illustrations, paintings in this case, capture the terror of the Grendel, glory of Beowulf and grief brought by death and war. Readers will enjoy this action-packed story either on their own or as an approachable form for the classic text.
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armor. He succeeds in subduing the Grendel and in defeating the Grendel’s mother after she comes to make her revenge. Upon returning to his homeland, the king of the Danes cautions him to use his strength for good and know that one day; he too, will meet his end.Gareth Hind’s has created a wonderful adaptation of the classic hero tale. The illustrations, paintings in this case, capture the terror of the Grendel, glory of Beowulf and grief brought by death and war. Readers will enjoy this action-packed story either on their own or as an approachable form for the classic text.
Show Less
LibraryThing member petrong
Didn't love this graphic novel adaptation of the classic story, mostly because of the drawing style. i could see many of my students really liking the graphic fights and imagery.
LibraryThing member Warnerp
To help students study classic mythology, graphic novels are a must! Many classics are difficult to read, and students can have trouble imagining what the scenes would look like. Graphic novels give the reader the illustrator’s conception of the scene, helping the difficult words and ideas make
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much more sense now that a visual action is taking place. Show Less
LibraryThing member steller0707
I remember reading Beowulf as a freshman in college. In fact, it was the first assigned reading - which means that although I read it, it was long forgotten. Finding this illustrated Beowulf, including all three books, at our local library book sale for a dollar, I decided to reconnect. Hind's
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illustrations give a "superhero" look to the fighting scenes in which Beowulf slays Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon, complete with comic-like "splat" and "thunk" captions. Yet Beowulf and his fellow men retain a Viking-like look. The close-ups of faces and the drawings of the adversaries were especially good, as was the funeral send-off of Beowulf in his Viking ship. A pleasurable serendipitous purchase! Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
A very nice translation paired with very powerful images. Nice, and I don't say that lightly.
LibraryThing member bobbybslax
Another good adaptation from Hinds, but less of the admittedly boring bits are included—namely, the drawn-out speeches these warriors make to boast about their impressive exploits. This composes the bulk of the poem (if I recall correctly) and the story of Beowulf’s fights versus Grendel and
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Grendel’s mom are a much smaller part. Not that I’m dying to see the long brag sessions recreated as written in this concise adaptation, but the spirit of those was not captured. Show Less