I did not like this book when I first picked it up. The translator complicates things and makes no effort to write in clear, plain English. On the other hand, his rythms and sense of sound are beautiful.

Hollander's Translation of the Poetic Edda is the most widely avalible of the Poetic Edda translations. Although some of the meanings have been changed to preserve the rhyme and meter of old norse poetry, the essence of the Eddas are still there. Students of historical literature, mythology, and modern day Asatruar would all benifit from this work. The level-headed advise of the Havamal still rings true today as it did in the time it was still passed on orally in nordic society.

Hail! This is a highly poetic translation of the Elder Eddas, which preserves a great deal of anceint germanic lore. Those whom are interested in Teutonic Heathenism(Elder Troth/Asatru/Odinism) should purchase this book. While the translation may be a bit "off", Hollander preserves the rhyme, meter, and beauty of how the Eddas would have sounded. Their are very minor flaws in this text, and it is still an excellent text for teutonic studies. For Frith and Kinfolk, Isenwulf Wodheart