Beowulf Author:Burton Raffel, translator Beowulf is the earliest extant poem in a modern European language. It was composed in England four centuries before the Norman Conquest. As a social document this great epic poem is invaluable - reflecting a feudal, newly Christian world or heroes and monsters, blood and victory and death. As a work of art is is quite unique; Beowulf rings wi... more »th a beauty, power, and artistry that have kept it alive for more than twelve centuries.« less