Klaeber’s Beowulf, Fourth Edition

Beowulf survives in a single medieval manuscript, and even the date and composition of the poem remain subjects of debate. Frederick Klaeber’s edition became a foundation for studying its Old English language and text. This fourth edition revisits that scholarly tradition in light of research published since the earlier versions.

The text has been lightly revised, while the introduction, commentary and glossary incorporate more recent work on the manuscript, language and difficult passages. Pronunciation aids and expanded bibliographic guidance support close reading of the original poem. The arguments surrounding individual words and lines remain visible rather than being hidden behind a modern retelling.