BEOWULF (Graphic Classics Paperback)

USA: Barron's/Salariya Book Company, 2010. 1st North American 1st Printing. Soft cover. New/No Jacket Issued. Li Sidong color illustrations. CONDITION: NEW 2010 Barron's/Salariya paperback graphic novel, first North American edition, first printing. Title on front cover in gold foil. Color illustrations by Li Sidon. This is a beautifully rendered paperback book, IMHO. Illustrations are historically correct as to costume and setting. CONTENT: This retelling of the first great epic poem in the English language recounts the story of Beowulf, his heroic struggle against the monster Grendel, and his final fight to the death with a ferocious dragon. Barron's Graphic Classics offer easy-to-follow retellings of immortal literary works. They introduce elementary and secondary school students to many of our culture's great plays, novels, and epic poems, and encourage boys and girls to discover the joy of reading the masterworks in their original form. Graphic Classics titles tell absorbing stories with high-quality color illustrations complemented with short narrative sections and dialogue balloons that capture the spirit of the originals. This first great epic poem in the English language tells the exciting story of the nobleman Beowulf and his three great struggles against evil monsters. Coming to the aid of the king of the Danes, Beowulf engages in his first epic battle when he fights the monster Grendel. Against great odds, he succeeds in killing this ferocious creature, but Grendel's mother, seeking to avenge her son's death creates havoc throughout the kingdom. Beowulf is forced to fight her to the death in her mysterious lair beneath a lake. His final great struggle occurs many years later, when he must face a ferocious dragon. Though neither Beowulf nor the dragon survive this last battle, Beowulf is buried with great honor, beloved by his people. The Graphic Classics series also present background material to help young readers understand when and why the literary work was originally written: People & Places (with color map); Heroes & Monsters; Beowulf Today; The Poem of Beowulf; and the Author of Beowulf. Interesting text and illustrations plus history and literary history. Can't beat that combo.