This was absolutely fascinating. I've always found the idea of multiple translations of a work really interesting, and my favourite part of this book was Maria's breakdown of her reasons for making the choices she did. It taught me a lot, not just about Old English, but about poetry in general. Her modern take on tone really ticked all the boxes for me. These kinds of oral traditions would have read as very popular entertainment for the masses, and the writing style really drew me into that perspective very well. I now desperately need a copy for my shelves!