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The Yellow Admiral
The Yellow Admiral
The Yellow Admiral
Audiobook10 hours

The Yellow Admiral

Written by Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by Patrick Tull

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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About this audiobook

Life ashore may once again be the undoing of Jack Aubrey in The Yellow Admiral, Patrick O'Brian's best-selling novel and eighteenth volume in the Aubrey/Maturin series. Aubrey, now a considerable though impoverished landowner, has dimmed his prospects at the Admiralty by his erratic voting as a Member of Parliament; he is feuding with his neighbor, a man with strong Navy connections who wants to enclose the common land between their estates; he is on even worse terms with his wife, Sophie, whose mother has ferreted out a most damaging trove of old personal letters. Even Jack's exploits at sea turn sour: in the storm waters off Brest he captures a French privateer laden with gold and ivory, but this at the expense of missing a signal and deserting his post. Worst of all, in the spring of 1814, peace breaks out, and this feeds into Jack's private fears for his career. Fortunately, Jack is not left to his own devices. Stephen Maturin returns from a mission in France with the news that the Chileans, to secure their independence, require a navy, and the service of English officers. Jack is savoring this apparent reprieve for his career, as well as Sophie's forgiveness, when he receives an urgent dispatch ordering him to Gibraltar: Napoleon has escaped from Elba.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 10, 2008
ISBN9781501984242
The Yellow Admiral
Author

Patrick O'Brian

Patrick O’Brian (1914-2000), born Richard Patrick Russ, was an English novelist, biographer and translator from French. His translations include Henri Charrière’s Papillon, Jean Lacouture’s biography of Charles de Gaulle and many of Simone de Beauvoir’s later works, including Les Belles Images, All Said and Done and A Very Easy Death.

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Reviews for The Yellow Admiral

Rating: 4.169491525423729 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Few adults approach Beowulf without some knowledge of the story. It is generally read in high school and again in college. Grendel and his mother are the nefarious duo tormenting the Danes in the reign of King Hrothgar. Beowulf comes to the rescue and is, of course, successful. Beowulf returns home to Geatland, where he eventually becomes king. But the story doesn’t end there and there is not a happily ever after. Beowulf is killed by a dragon in his old age. His body is burned and the Geats begin to live in fear that their enemies will now attack.I read it in high school. I read it in college. It was considered a boy-book, to be avoided if possible. Not to be considered for pleasure reading—ever. I did peruse the Tolkien edition in the seventies – but it was Tolkien and the seventies. I did not read the entire text. So what brings a middle-aged woman back to Beowulf? Seamus Heaney.And reading it wasn’t about the story—it was about this particular interpretation of the story. Grendel still dies by Beowulf’s hand. The dragon still kills Beowulf. And it’s still a boy-book, a profoundly eloquent boy-book. Opening the book to any page offers up the power of Heaney’s linguistic faculty. “I adopt you in my heart as a dear son. Nourish and maintain this new connection, you noblest of men; there’ll be nothing you want for, no worldly goods that won’t be yours” (63). The simple addition of a semicolon to a text adds another layer of depth to Heaney’s interpretation of the original language.In the introduction, Heaney explains his reasons for taking this project, his discontent and finally his revelations about language. It is this last element that is intriguing. It is his labor over each word, his quest for the perfect translation, his examination of etymologies and endemic languages. It is his finding the meaning of ancient words scrawled in musty texts by listening to the old folks chatter in Ireland. The power of the text does not lie in the story, but in Heaney’s ownership of the words that make the story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The absolute best version of "Beowulf" out there. I love the original Old English (Anglo-Saxon) text on the facing page.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I've read different translations, this one is my favorite. Take your time reading it, let yourself be taken back to a time when the edges of the Earth were unknown and the sea was a place of monsters and myth. A good story takes you on an adventure, and this an adventure I've taken several times and it never gets old.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Irish author Seamus Heaney provides a readable poetic translation of the epic Beowulf. In the poem readers see a mingling of Christian and pagan traditions. Well-versed Biblical students may even notice parallels between Beowulf and warriors in the Bible. Although the Old English appears on facing pages, my lack of knowledge of Old English makes it impossible for me to determine Heaney's faithfulness to the originals. His introduction and acknowledgement provides some background. He admits to differing opinions with other scholars but the final product seems true to the version I remember from college days while being far more readable. Perhaps more readers will find this classic tale accessible because of Heaney's work.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The poemBeowulf is a tough sell. Not only has it traditionally been used by English departments around the world to break the spirit of newly-recruited undergraduates (who thought they had signed up for three years of Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf, only to find themselves out on the parade-ground practicing their Old English sound-shifts for month after month...), but also, when you get down to it, it turns out to be a poem about a macho muscle-man who spends his time - when not quaffing mead - either ripping monsters limb from limb or swimming long distances in full armour. Told completely straight, without any discernible trace of irony. Well, not exactly my cup of tea...Skimming through the introduction of the Bolton & Wrenn critical text, it turns out that we know surprisingly little about what must be one of the most-studied poems in the canon. It has survived in only one manuscript, the famous "British Museum Cotton Vitellius A XV" (bizarrely, the emperor Vitellius comes into it because it's his bust that stands on top of that particular bookcase). In fact, there are very few Old English texts that survive as multiple copies, so this uniqueness isn't unusual in itself. The manuscript seems to have been written around the year 1000, and textual evidence suggests that it's at least the third generation of copies since the poem was first written down. When and where that was is hotly disputed, but Mercia in the second half of the 8th century is a strong possibility. The action of the poem is set in a pre-Christian past in Denmark and Southern Sweden (with some mention of actual historical figures from the time), whilst the poet is obviously from a Christian background and refers quite freely to the Old Testament. What I found most surprising was to discover that the poem was not conspicuously a "classic" in its own time: we don't have any other contemporary references to it (apart from the "Finnesburg fragment", a single page of MS that seems to come from a different version of part of the same story), and as far as anyone can tell it fell completely off the radar of English literature between the end of the Old English period and the time around 650 years later when the first modern scholars became interested in Old English manuscripts and discovered this poem, bound in with a prose translation of St Augustine. So Beowulf is only part of the history of English literature with hindsight.The Heaney translationSeamus Heaney, of course, saw it as rather more than a philological crossword puzzle or a Boys' Own adventure story, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered with it. He points us in particular at the last part of the poem, where the elderly (70+) hero decides that he owes it to his people to take on one last dragon, even though it will certainly cost him his life. And indeed, the anonymous poet deals with the complex emotions involved here a little less brusquely than he does elsewhere - but this isn't Shakespearean drama, and we shouldn't expect it to be.What Heaney is really interested in, I think, is the poetical challenge of finding something in modern English that has the same magically seductive sound quality as Old English alliterative verse (which always sounds magnificent, even if you haven't a clue what it means...). And, of course, being Seamus Heaney, he decides to imagine the voices of the poem as if they came from the Northern Ireland farmers of his own sound-world, puts these into a slightly looser form of the Old English two-stress half-lines, and succeeds brilliantly. This translation is a poem that you just have to read aloud, even if there's no way that you can find any sympathy for Beowulf as a character.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    For me, most of the appeal of Beowulf is its historical value, as well as comparison to other cultures' epic tales. I'm not actually very much interested in stories about heroes and battles otherwise.Thus, I think it is definitely worthwhile to read the poem at least once, even if you aren't much of a fan of the genre. The Seamus Heaney translation is the one I would recommend. I found it to be very accessible and engaging, and had no trouble at all following the story. I rather appreciated when he changed the rhythm and other patterns to indicate someone reciting a story within the story - it's a sort of meta stylistic choice and not terribly necessary, but I liked it.The WW Norton edition of Heaney's translation is also nice to have because of the margin notes that indicate the actions of a particular set of lines. I'm not sure if other editions from other translators/editors do the same thing, but it was very useful when I got caught up in the words and lost track of exactly what was happening, or when the story returned from a tangent.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I chose this poetry book because I really enjoyed reading this book in high school. I think this book is very important to students in the classroom because it helps broaden there experience in different types of literature. I think that students will find this book very interesting. I also feel that they may understand the book better if they watch the movie first so that they can get a better mental image of how the story unfolds and the stories purpose.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Many reviewers say this isn't the best translation of Beowulf; I wouldn't know as it is the only one I've read. I think Mr. Heaney has written an accessible translation that brings the imagery of the times to life and shows well aspects of Viking society, such as the loyalty to kings, the importance of rewarding your men, and the need to prove yourself brave and valiant. I am not surprised this has become a standard text for these reasons.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Very difficult poem to understand in full. I only got a fraction of the way through before I got lost.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The oldest epic poem in English follows the feats of its titular protagonist over the course of days and years that made him a legend among his clan, friends, and even enemies. Beowulf was most likely orally transmitted before finally be written down several centuries later by an unknown Christian hand in Old English that today is readily accessible thanks to the translation by Seamus Heaney.The epic tale of Beowulf begins in the mead hall of King Hrothgar of the Danes which is attacked by the monster Grendel for years. Beowulf, upon hearing of Hrothgar’s plight, gathers fourteen companions and sails from Geatland to the land of the Danes. Hrothgar welcomes the Geats and feasts them, attracting the attention of Grendel who attacks. One of the Geats is killed before the monster and Beowulf battle hand-to-hand which ends with Beowulf ripping off Grendel’s arm. The monster flees and bleeds out in the swamp-like lair shared with his mother. Grendel’s mother attacks the mead hall looking for revenge and kills one of Hrothgar’s long-time friends. Beowulf, his companions, Hrothgar, and others ride to the lair and Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother with a giant’s sword. After another feast, the Geats return home and fifty years later, Beowulf is King when a dragon guarding a hoard of treasure is awakened by a thief and goes on a rampage. Beowulf and younger chosen companions go to face the fiery serpent, but all but one of his companions flees after the King goes to face the foe. However, the one young warrior who stays is able to help the old King defeat the dragon though he his mortally wounded. It is this young warrior who supervises the dying Beowulf’s last wishes.This is just a rough summary of a 3000 line poem that not only deals with Beowulf’s deeds but also the warrior culture and surprisingly the political insightfulness that many secondary characters talk about throughout the poem. The poem begins and ends with funerals with warrior kings giving look at pagan worldview even as the unknown Christian poet tried to his best to hide it with references to Christian religiosity. Although some say that any translation deprived the poem of the Old English rhyme and rhythm, the evolution of English in the thousand years since the poem was first put down in words means that unless one reads the original with a dictionary on hand, this poem would not be read. Heaney’s translation gives the poem its original epicness while also allowing present day readers a chance to “hear” the story in their own language thus giving it new life.Beowulf is one of the many epic poems that have influenced storytelling over the centuries. Yet with its Scandinavian pagan oral roots and Christian authorship it is also a melding of two traditions that seem at odds yet together still create a power tale. Unlike some high school or college course force students to read the Old England or so-so translated excerpts from the poem, Seamus Heaney’s book gives the reader something that will keep their attention and greatly entertain.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This review refers to the facsmile version of the Cotton manuscript of Beowulf.The text of Beowulf as we know it today is based on a single surviving manuscript, and that sole manuscript was damaged in a fire, to the extent that the last word or so of nearly every line of the poem was obliterated. This copy is a facsimile reproduction of that manuscript, with a facing-page transliteration by Norman Davis.This is, admittedly, not a version of the poem that will be useful to the majority of readers. For one thing, the text is transcribed but not translated, and the notes refer to the textual issues and not to the words of the poem itself. It's not even a particularly useful text for the purposes of translation, since, again, the notes do not refer to linguistic issues, but rather to issues of the text itself.But to a student of Old English who wishes to have a glimpse into the textual history of the most famous Old English poem, this is an invaluable work. The story of the Cotton manuscript is in itself an epic saga, and its narrow survival emphasizes the volumes of Old English literature that did not survive, and will always be lost to us.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Good story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It seems a bit petty to rate Beowulf as 3.5 stars, I mean, who am I to say that about a landmark work in English literature, one that’s 10-12 centuries old and of such importance? It is an epic tale, recounting Beowulf’s battles with three monsters – Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. Beowulf, a warrior from a part of Sweden called Geatland, comes to the aid of the king of the Danes to fight the first two, and then fifty years later as King of the Geats, fights the third. I’m no scholar and cannot compare different translations, but Rebsamen’s translation, done here in verse, with each line composed of two half-lines separated with a pause, is meant to be true to the original, and while reading it I could imagine it being intoned by a deep baritone voice around a fire while quaffing some mead. The names of the Danes, Swedes, and Geats/Waegmundings take some getting used to, though while many are mentioned, only a handful are of importance, and it is a relatively quick read. Perhaps that’s why I have it as 3.5 stars; while historically important, it’s somewhat one-dimensional. Maybe Beowulf should have had a love interest. :PQuotes:On Old Age:“There was song and laughter – the Spear Danes’ kingstretched his memory for stories of childhood.At times the old one touched his harpstringsstrummed the songwood sang of the pastmoments of heartgrief high victoriesremnants of his youth from reaches of his mind.At times he brooded bound by his yearsan old sword-warrior sorrowing for friendsworn with winter welling with memoriesyearning for dead ones young hearth-fellows.”On the transience of life:“The last of splendor slips into darknessthat loaned king-body cracks upon the pyreswirls away in smoke – soon another onesteps to the gift-throne shares his goldhoardturns that treachery to trust and reward.Guard against life-bale beloved Beowulfbest of warriors and win for your souleternal counsel – do not care for pridegreat shield-champion! The glory of your strengthlasts for a while but not long aftersickness or spear-point will sever you from life...”
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent, excellent translation.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is without a doubt my favorite edition of the ancient poem. Aside from the fact that it fits in my back pocket, the Modern English translation contained within lends itself to being read aloud much better (in my opinion) than Seamus Heaney's version. This edition of Beowulf amazingly manages to capture both the language as well as the poetic meter that seemed to be lacking in the Heaney edition. The only real complaint I can offer regarding this edition is something that has plagued Signet Classics for years: Terrible printing. Aside from that, it is a truly spectacular translation.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A beautiful translation.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed the Heaney translation. I read Beowulf in my first year of college many years ago, and the story didn't hang together. This translation did an incredible job of making the story come alive like a 21st century adventure novel. Highly reccommended.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Magnificent translation, capturing the strength of the poem without sacrificing its beauty
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    So, Heaney wins the Nobel, leaves Harvard, and decides to do this. Best seller, agreed new standard, best translation. Why? He’s not an Old English scholar, not a philologist as such. He was already rich and famous.

    I have two guesses:
    1. He had already written so much of his own work, he was looking into new sources, translation being a good one. Fine, probably true.
    2. Revenge. England conquered Ireland, crushing out the native culture and language as best they could for hundreds of years. Early 20th century, Ireland attempts to reclaim language and culture, including political independence. Except where Heaney is from in the North. So, how do you conquer the conqueror hundreds of years later? You take their language and use it against them. Like Joyce, but instead of moving further ahead, he goes back to the beginning. Translates the oldest English there is into 20th century Irish dialect English.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    For those who have heard the names of Grendel and Beowulf and seen the epic alluded to in comic books, movies and Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead, this version of the tale should serve as a good introduction. The only other translation of Beowulf I'm familiar with is the Burton Raffel one which I've read three times and still prefer to Heaney's. However, not knowing Old English, I can't say which is more accurate. Raffel does try to preserve the structure of Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse while Heaney, as he notes in his introduction, never feels compelled to strictly follow that form though he does quite a bit. However, I suspect many readers may find that old verse form strange, awkward, and a bit offputting, and, for them, this version of the old epic is probably the best. I always found the last third of the epic the most moving and melancholy, and, there, Heaney's translation is as powerful as Raffel's.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Graphic novel adaptation of the Old English epic poem, Beowulf.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you ever need to read anything in translation that Heaney has done, DO IT. He keeps the feel of the original texts and is absolutely astounding at modernizing ancient texts without diverting from the original.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I enjoyed the story itself, but the actual book bored me to tears. Past its time perhaps.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A 6th century tale of Danish/Swedish blood feuds overlaid with a later Christian gloss. Written in Eng. in the 9th century.Read Samoa Nov 2003
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Seamus Heaney's translation made me understand why this story has survived this long. He gives it vigor, something that translated works often lack, and this makes reading it a pleasure.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    Words cannot express my hatred for this book. I've been forced to read it 3 times throughout high school and college. If I'm ever forced to read it again, I may have to poke my eyes out. Seriously, I hate it that much.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this book back in High School and absolutely loved it. I recently saw the movie with Angelina Jolie and it seemed a fairly accurate representation of the story itself...not bad if you are ok with the whole half animation thing. This story is a hard read so i recommend it be read either translated or with a helpful reading guide. (Not saying you can't figure it out on your own...just saying it helps). I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and historical adventure. I loved immersing myself into the Vikings lands and culture. Not very many books are out there that describe what people and events were like back then and this story is the one that has survived so many centuries. I wonder how many amazing tales have been lost in time.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Classically good and classically fun.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read at least portions of Beowulf years ago in school, perhaps even in elementary school if my foggy memory is reliable. Halloween seemed like a good time to revisit this epic monster tale. I chose the translation by renowned poet Seamus Heaney. His translation is very readable for this generation, except for the names, which he couldn't do much about. The meaning is clear, and I rarely had to re-read passages to tease out their meaning. My only quibble is that Heaney used too many modern idioms and expressions. Beowulf predates Shakespeare, the King James Bible, and other modern sources of commonly used expressions. Phrases derived from modern sources seem like anachronisms in Beowulf.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I would not have understood it or liked it had I read it on my own, but by reading it in class with explanations I thought it was facinating.