Dead Language Society Book Club
Periodically, paid members of the Dead Language Society meet to read great works from the history of the English language together.
In late 2025, we read Beowulf. In spring 2026, we’re reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. We’ll be reading it in translation, and I'll be acting as a guide, showing you some of the things most people miss on their first read-through.
I'll also be bringing in my knowledge of the Middle English text to show you the texture of the original, but don't worry: you don't need to know any Middle English to participate.
Reading
We’ll read primarily in translation, using Simon Armitage’s translation (Norton, 2007). Like Heaney’s Beowulf, this is a poet translating a poet. It’s the most accessible translation to get started with. The alliterative feel of the original comes through without lapsing into obscurity.
But we will be dipping into the Middle English original often: this is the Dead Language Society, after all. At least some of the Armitage editions have the Middle English on the facing page. Get one of those if you can.
Whatever translation you choose, please read the assigned section before the meeting so that we’re all on the same page.
Logistics
We’ll be doing the book clubs on Substack Live this time around, since our community has grown beyond what Zoom can handle.
Here’s the timing:
Session 1: Tuesday, May 5, 11:00am–12:00pm Eastern Time. Fitt 1. Lines 1–490.
Session 2: Tuesday, May 19, 11:00am–12:00pm Eastern Time. Fitt 2. Lines 491–1125.
Session 3: Tuesday, June 2, 11:00am–12:00pm Eastern Time. Fitt 3. Lines 1126–1997.
Session 4: Tuesday, June 16, 11:00am–12:00pm Eastern Time. Fitt 4. Lines 1998–2531.
If you can't make it on the day, the recordings of the sessions will be released as members-only posts on Substack, and you'll be able to leave any questions in the comments section.
The book club is a benefit for paid subscribers. If you’d like to take part, you can upgrade your subscription here. You’ll also get access to the full archive of members’ only posts:
Looking forward to seeing you there!