Beowulf as Children’s Literature

"Beowulf as Children’s Literature is a brilliant, groundbreaking collection of essays that provide intriguing insights into why and how, of all the disparate genres, forms, and media into which the Old English poem Beowulf has been transposed, children’s literature takes pride of place as the largest single category of post-Beowulfian adaptation. As a collective, it addresses both the theory and method of the adaptation for children of a canonical text, and so makes a major contribution to study of children’s literature, even as it breaks new, fertile ground in the area of Beowulfiana."

David F. Johnson, Professor of English, Florida State University

"The essays in Beowulf as Children’s Literature reveal the powerful role the Old English epic has played in children’s imaginative lives since the early nineteenth century. Through close studies of picture books and young adult novels, film and teaching aids, the book’s contributors show how Beowulf has been used to convey ideas of gender, race, class, and nation to audiences just learning to read. Carefully contextualized and extensively illustrated, this volume provides a rich trove of materials for future study of early medieval literary reception."

Irina Dumitrescu, Professor of English Medieval Studies, University of Bonn

"A treasure trove of riches, this generously illustrated collection of sophisticated, penetrating essays marks a remarkably rare achievement in Beowulf scholarship: a genuine first word in a new conversation. Dazzlingly curated by Gilchrist and Mize, contributions range from Beowulf’s earliest known adaptation for children in 1820 to the present day. Scholars of Beowulf, of reception, of medievalism, and of children’s literature will want this essential book on their shelves."

Chris Jones, Professor of English, University of St Andrews