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.

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.”—New York Times

Selected for Common Reading at the following colleges and universities:

Washington & Lee University
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

About

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.

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.”—New York Times

Selected for Common Reading at the following colleges and universities:

Washington & Lee University

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

Videos from the 2024 First-Year Experience® Conference are now available

We’re pleased to share videos from the 2024 First-Year Experience® Conference. Whether you weren’t able to join us at the conference or would simply like to hear the talks again, please take a moment to view the clips below.   Penguin Random House Author Breakfast Monday, February 19th, 7:15 – 8:45 am PST This event

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