A translation of "Beowulf" that captures the rhythm and movement of the original Old English poem while employing a fluid Modern English style and relatively simple vocabulary. It provides an approximation of the acoustic features - and power - of the original and is suitable for reading either silently or aloud.

Dick Ringler's deceptively simple translation captures the rhythm, movement, and power of the original Old English poem while employing a fluid modern English style and a relatively spare vocabulary. His generous Introduction, a lively yet masterly guide to the work, along with his translations of three shorter Old English poems elucidate a major English text almost as well-known for its subtlety and intricacy as it is for its monsters and heroes.