BEOWULF

This heroic Anglo-Saxon nar-rative poem, believed to have been written 1,250 years ago, is rich in history and legend. The epic explores the age-old themes of good and evil, vengeance and loyalty as Beowulf battles monsters and dragons. British actor David Rintoul does a masterful job narrating this major work of the Western canon. His voice, vibrant and rich, Shakespearean in its cadences and timbre, nimbly conveys the nuances of the poem, from its heroic deeds to its elegiac tone. Rintoul's narration makes music of the harsh guttural sounds of this fine translation. Liner notes include a synopsis of the poem. P.B.J. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 99]