This bilingual edition of the great epic poem is an excellent one for newcomers to "Beowulf." In addition to providing a detailed introduction to the poem and annotations throughout, Heaney uses very clear modern English to translate the poem from its original Old English text.

Beowulf aficionados, however, will be troubled by the liberties Heaney has taken with his translation, which is a bit too "loose." Heaney's version sacrifices the poem's more subtle nuances for a more modern feel.

Release planned for Sunday, December 28, 2003 at Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois USA.