Following his acclaimed translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl,Simon Armitage shines light on another jewel of Middle English verse. In his highly engaging version,Armitage communicates the energy and humour of the tale with all the cut and thrust of the original.
An unnamed narrator overhears a fierce verbal contest between the two eponymous birds,which moves entertainingly from the eloquent and philosophical to the ribald and ridiculous. The disputed issues still resonate - concerning identity,cultural habits,class distinctions and the right to be heard.
Excerpts were featured in the BBC Radio 4 podcast,The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed. Including the lively illustrations of Clive Hicks-Jenkins,this is a book for the whole household to read and enjoy.
Publisher: Faber & FaberISBN: 9780571357307Number of pages: 100Weight: 270 gDimensions: 205 x 158 x 10 mmEdition: Main
Simon Armitage
One of the country's most recognisable poets Simon Armitage has carved out a niche for himself as a wry observer of popular culture and documenter of 21st century British society. Since his first collection Zoom! in 1989 his vibrant Northern vernacular and the informality of his subject matter have been mainstays of British poetry ever since.
Visit the Simon Armitage author page
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