A wonderfully energetic and ribald version of what has been called 'the greatest early Middle English poem we have.' (Prospect)

Shortlisted for the Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry

In this 'graceful, elegant translation' (Guardian), Poet Laureate Simon Armitage communicates the energy and humour of the Middle English tale with all the cut and thrust of the original. An unnamed narrator overhears a fiery verbal contest between the two eponymous birds, which moves entertainingly from the eloquent and philosophical to the ribald and ridiculous.

'Arguably the greatest early Middle English poem we have.' Prospect