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The Owl and the Nightingale

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Owl and the Nightingale by Simon Armitage delivers a modern take on a classic Middle English poem. It portrays a lively debate between an owl and a nightingale, each defending their virtues and critiquing the other's flaws. Through their dialogue, Armitage explores themes of wisdom, creativity, and the nature of art, all set within a rich and entertaining narrative framework.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate modern translations of classic texts that delve into witty and lively debates using poetry. With Simon Armitage’s engaging touch, the tale comes alive with fresh, imaginative charm and insights into human nature, making it a delightful read for those interested in the meeting point of language and culture.

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The Owl and the Nightingale

A witty and enchanting illustrated edition of the Middle English debate poem, in a new version by the Poet Laureate.

A witty and enchanting illustrated edition of the Middle English debate poem, in a new version by the Poet Laureate.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's version of this entertaining Middle English debate poem brings a fresh perspective to a classic work.

The Owl and the Nightingale captures a lively argument between two birds—each representing different poetic and philosophical ideals—engaging readers with their witty exchanges.

Armitage's modern rendering provides accessibility and wit, breathing new life into a centuries-old poem while preserving its original charm and humour.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571357291

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 07 October 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 165.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 390g

Pages: 100

About the Author

Simon Armitage was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, his collections of poetry include Seeing Stars (2010), The Unaccompanied (2017), Sandettie Light Vessel Automatic (2019), Magnetic Field (2020) and his acclaimed translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (2007). He writes extensively for television and radio, and is the author of two novels and the non-fiction bestsellers All Points North (1998), Walking Home (2012) and Walking Away (2015). His theatre works include The Last Days of Troy, performed at Shakespeare's Globe in 2014. From 2015 to 2019, he served as Professor of Poetry at Oxford University, and, in 2018, he was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry. Simon Armitage is Poet Laureate.

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