Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

The first examination of the use made by Seamus Heaney of medieval poetry in his translations and adaptations, including the acclaimed 'Beowulf'. Seamus Heaney's engagement with medieval literature constitutes a significant body of work by a major poet that extends across four decades, including a landmark translation of 'Beowulf'. This book, the first to look exclusively at this engagement, examines both Heaney's direct translations and his adaptation of medieval material in his original poems. Each of the four chapters focuses substantially on a single major text: 'Sweeney Astray' (1983), 'Station Island' (1984), 'Beowulf' (1999) and 'The Testament of Cresseid' (2004). The discussion examines Heaney's translation practice in relation to source texts from a variety of languages (Irish, Italian, Old English, and Middle Scots) from across the medieval period, and also in relation to Heaney's own broader body of work. It suggests that Heaney's translations and adaptations give a contemporary voice to medieval texts, bringing the past to bear upon contemporary concerns both personal and political. CONOR MCCARTHY gained his PhD from Trinity College Dublin.

Poetry, Medieval --- European poetry --- Medieval poetry --- Translations into English --- History and criticism. --- Adaptations --- Heaney, Seamus, --- Heaney, Seamus --- Criticism and interpretation. --- Adaptation. --- Beowulf. --- Contemporary Concerns. --- Literary Influence. --- Medieval Poetry. --- Medieval Texts. --- Poetic Tradition. --- Seamus Heaney. --- Translation.