Of unknown authorship, Beowulf is an Old English epic poem which incites contentious debate and has been endlessly interpreted over the centuries. This Reader's Guide provides a much-needed overview of the large body of Beowulf criticism, moving from 18th century reactions to 21st century responses. Jodi-Ann George:
- Charts the changes in critical trends and theoretical approaches applied to the poem.
- Includes discussion of J. R. R. Tolkein's pioneering 1936 lecture on Beowulf , and Seamus Heaney's recent translation.
- Analyses Beowulf in popular culture, addressing the poem's life in film versions, graphic novels, music and comics.

Clear and engaging, this is an indispensable introductory guide to a widely-studied and enigmatic work which continues to fascinate readers everywhere.

JODI-ANNE GEORGE is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Dundee, UK, where she also runs the JOOT Theatre Company.

Acknowledgements
Introduction: Hwaet!
'Rude beginning': 1705-1899
'Conflicting babel': 1900-1931
The Monsters Meet the Critics: the 1930s and 1940s
The Debates Continue: the 1950s and 1960s
Stock-taking: the 1970s
Critics on the Crest of a Wave: the 1980s
An Embarrassment of Critical Riches: the 1990s-Present
'Beowulf'in Popular Culture
Conclusion
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index.