Book cover of Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary

Book description

The translation of Beowulf by J.R.R. Tolkien was an early work, very distinctive in its mode, completed in 1926: he returned to it later to make hasty corrections, but seems never to have considered its publication.

This edition is twofold, for there exists an illuminating commentary on the text of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Beowulf as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved this book because it illuminated Tolkien’s lifelong fascination with Beowulf, probably his greatest influence. The translation is good, but the commentary is better, and the inclusion of two short works, Sellic Spell and the Lay of Beowulf, showed me Tolkien’s delight in “re-tellings.”

His creative genius was seldom far removed from his scholarly work. 

If you love Beowulf...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Beowulf?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 40 books like Beowulf.

Browse books like Beowulf

Book cover of Tolkien's Legendarium: Essays on The History of Middle-earth
Book cover of Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-Earth
Book cover of The Monsters and the Critics, and Other Essays

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Beowulf, you might also like...

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!