This classic and much lauded retelling of Beowulf follows the monster Grendel as he learns about humans and fights the war at the center of the Anglo Saxon classic epic.
"An extraordinary achievement."—New York Times
The first and most terrifying monster in English literature, from the great early epic Beowulf, tells his own side of the story in this frequently banned book. This is the novel William Gass called "one of the finest of our contemporary fictions."
"An extraordinary achievement... very funny, original and deft, altogether lovable, poignant, rich with thought and feeling...immensely enjoyable. John Gardner has become a major contemporary writer."- The New York Times
"A marvelous novel—absolutely marvelous: witty, intelligent, delightful... a celebration and a conservation of what we most need in one of the greatest poetic myths we have... I cannot recommend it too highly." - Newsweek
"It deserves a place on the same shelf as Lord of the Flies,Cat's Cradleand Catcher in the Rye."-Christian Science Monitor
John Gardner received wide acclaim for his novels, his collections of short stories, and his critical works. He was born in Batavia, New York, in 1933, and taught English, Anglo-Saxon, and creative writing at Oberlin College, Chico State College, San Francisco State University, Southern Illinois University, Bennington College, and SUNY–Binghamton. His books include The Art of Fiction, The Art of Living, Grendel, Jason and Medeia, The Life and Times of Chaucer, Mickelsson’s Ghosts, Nickel Mountain, October Light, The Resurrection, The Sunlight Dialogues, Stillness and Shadows, and various books for children. He died in a motorcycle accident in 1982.
View titles by John Gardner
This classic and much lauded retelling of Beowulf follows the monster Grendel as he learns about humans and fights the war at the center of the Anglo Saxon classic epic.
"An extraordinary achievement."—New York Times
The first and most terrifying monster in English literature, from the great early epic Beowulf, tells his own side of the story in this frequently banned book. This is the novel William Gass called "one of the finest of our contemporary fictions."
Reviews
"An extraordinary achievement... very funny, original and deft, altogether lovable, poignant, rich with thought and feeling...immensely enjoyable. John Gardner has become a major contemporary writer."- The New York Times
"A marvelous novel—absolutely marvelous: witty, intelligent, delightful... a celebration and a conservation of what we most need in one of the greatest poetic myths we have... I cannot recommend it too highly." - Newsweek
"It deserves a place on the same shelf as Lord of the Flies,Cat's Cradleand Catcher in the Rye."-Christian Science Monitor
Author
John Gardner received wide acclaim for his novels, his collections of short stories, and his critical works. He was born in Batavia, New York, in 1933, and taught English, Anglo-Saxon, and creative writing at Oberlin College, Chico State College, San Francisco State University, Southern Illinois University, Bennington College, and SUNY–Binghamton. His books include The Art of Fiction, The Art of Living, Grendel, Jason and Medeia, The Life and Times of Chaucer, Mickelsson’s Ghosts, Nickel Mountain, October Light, The Resurrection, The Sunlight Dialogues, Stillness and Shadows, and various books for children. He died in a motorcycle accident in 1982.
View titles by John Gardner
