This book was on First Son's optional reading list for ninth grade, but he opted to read something else instead. I never got around to it, either. Somehow, though, I ended up with an audiobook version of it from Audible. (It was probably on sale.) Anticipating First Daughter's ninth grade year (starting in the fall!), I decided I should give it a listen. First Daughter likes to read everything.
The introduction was illuminating; I hadn't understood before the different kinds of English epic forms and why Sir Gawain is not as popular as some others. So don't skip that.
I think I enjoyed this book immensely more by listening to it, rather than reading it. The sounds of the lines are integral to the form of the poems. I could readily hear aspects Tolkien mentioned in his introduction. We have a copy of the book itself (thanks to Kansas Dad's Great Books courses), but I intend to recommend First Daughter listen to the audiobook. She can read along if she likes.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon are affiliate links. Kansas Dad received a copy of the book as the teacher of a course. I guess I bought the audiobook, though I don't remember it!
