Beowulf

A new version of the famous legend for readers ten and up, with emphasis on the hero's humanity.

Recommended age: 10 and up.

This faithfully researched rendition of the ancient Anglo-Saxon poem about the mighty hero Beowulf focuses on Beowulf's young kinsman, Wiglaf. Through Wiglaf's eyes, ears, and his own cursed Gift, we are able to view the entire fifty-year story of Beowulf, a young man scorned by his uncle's court despite having the strength of 30 men. Beowulf must prove himself in the Kingdom of the Danes. The Danes have built their main palace in the wrong place, and because of that it is invaded nightly by a magically protected troll named Grendel, who likes to kill and eat the humans within. Beowulf volunteers to destroy the troll and the hag who is Grendel's mother (and much more powerful even than her son). The final heroic mission Beowulf must face is to kill a terrible dragon who is devastating his own land. In all these dangerous tasks the young boy Wiglaf watches, dreams, and finally, helps.

Grendel's mother takes Beowulf prisoner

Some Comments About Beowulf:

"...graceful prose retelling... completely absorbing."
--American Library Association, Booklists, December 1, 1999

"Welwyn Wilton Katz's prose retelling of this poem is, quite simply, stunning."
-- Globe and Mail, October 2, 1999

"If this book is your first introduction to Beowulf, I can see it making for a long and fond acquaintance."
-- Quill & Quire, July 1999, starred review

"Will have readers on the edge."
-- The Toronto Star, October 31, 1999

"This is an absorbing, well-realized retelling of Beowulf, a welcome version for young children not yet familiar with this timeless epic to read and savour, or to listen to enthralled."
-- Books in Canada, October 1999

"The Katz-Gal Beowulf should become the standard version for a young audience. It's enthralling to read to older children, and is captivating for teens. But it reawakens the power of this old story for all readers."
--Canadian Children Literature, no. 97, vol. 26:1

Hardcover edition, Groundwood Books, Toronto, Buffalo, 1999. ISBN 0-88899-365-X. In Print.

If you wish to order an autographed copy directly from the author, our price is $13.95(HC). Go To Order Page

Foreign Editions:
Beowulf (Dutch), facet, Antwerp, 2000. ISBN 90 5016 286 X.