Subject Guides

Beowulf

First page of Beowulf, contained in the damaged Nowell Codex. Image retrieved from Wikipedia.

Beowulf is a famous epic poem, and perhaps the most important piece of Old English literature ever created. Many scholars over the years have debated the story's origins, influences, historical context, and authorship. This legendary work has also inspired numerous adaptations in film, visual art, drama, and fiction. Although it is thousands of years old, Beowulf continues to peak the interest of casual readers and scholars alike.

Use this guide to delve deeper into the world of Beowulf. Here you'll find resources available in WSHS Library's print collection, databases, and the open Web. If you discover an excellent resource not included in this guide, please let us know. For more help, come to the library or email the librarian!

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Books

Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations: Beowulf

Non Fiction, 821.1 BEO

Presents eleven critical essays that analyze the structure, myth, and history of the Old English epic poem depicting the heroic deeds of Beowulf, a member of a Germanic tribe who travels to Denmark to help defeat a monster named Grendel.

Beowulf : the Donaldson translation, backgrounds and sources, criticism

Non Fiction, 829.3 TUS

Presents an annotated text of the saga of the hero Beowulf, slayer of the monster Grendel, and includes backgrounds and sources, as well as critical commentary.

Content from Databases

Academic OneFile

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Complete source for peer-reviewed scholarly articles across all academic disciplines.

JSTOR

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Full-text articles from hundreds of scholarly journals from the mid-19th century to the early 21st century covering a wide range of subjects, including complete runs of many historical journals. The most recent 3-5 years of current journals are not available in full-text.

Literary Sources

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Includes the full-text literary criticism articles, reference books, and biographical information from Literature Criticism Online and Literature Resource Center.