R.K. Gordon's "Anglo-Saxon Poetry" (Everyman's Library #794) offers a comprehensive collection of verse from the Old English period, providing readers with a vital window into early English literary tradition. As editor and translator, Gordon presents a diverse selection of poems, ranging from heroic epics like Beowulf (in excerpt) and elegies such as "The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer," to riddles and shorter lyrical pieces. This anthology illuminates the rich cultural and historical context of Anglo-Saxon England, showcasing themes of fate, exile, courage, and spiritual reflection. Gordon's translation aims to convey the power and beauty of the original texts, making this volume an essential resource for students and enthusiasts of ancient English literature and its profound poetic heritage.