“Mitchell aims to find for Beowulf a ‘contemporary language that seems natural and alive’, and he does this well… His rendering of Beowulf has much to offer —narrative momentum, clarity, a sense of the poem’s heroic verve, and a contemporary slant.”—Susan Irvine, Times Literary Supplement“A most readable, energetic, and colorful translation of this savage epic. . . . An amazing achievement.”—Billy Collins“Stephen Mitchell’s new translation of Beowulf is elegantly wrought, highly accurate, and fully annotated. It is a compact and remarkably readable version.”—Eric Weiskott, Boston College“Stephen Mitchell comes as close to fulfilling the translator’s task as anyone at work today. He admirably balances two imperatives: to maintain fidelity to the text while rendering it available to the English we speak today. Mitchell’s reader-friendly version of Beowulf honors the narrative and will extend the readership for this foundational work of English literature.”—David Lehman“Mitchell’s version is eloquent and conveys a true sense of the original. In addition, his notes are a great enhancement.”—Harold Bloom