Seamus Heaney and Medieval Poetry
Conor McCarthy
Seamus Heaney and Medieval Poetry
Conor McCarthy
A remarkable survey of Heaney’s work and its debt to medieval poetry. […]McCarthy has presented a compelling analysis of Heaney’s use of medieval poetry. THE MEDIEVAL REVIEW
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 themedieval 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 concernsboth personal and political.
CONOR MCCARTHY gained his PhD from Trinity College Dublin.
This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks
Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.