The Book of the Epic By: Hélène A. Guerber (1859-1929)
The Book of the Epic by Hélène A. Guerber is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of some of the most famous epics in world literature. With her extensive knowledge and impeccable research, Guerber takes readers on a literary journey through ancient civilizations and folklore, shedding light on the rich tapestry of human storytelling throughout history. The book begins with an introduction that sets the stage for what lies ahead - an in-depth analysis of epic poems from various cultures. From the Greek classics like The Iliad and The Odyssey, to Norse legends like Beowulf, and even tales from India like The Mahabharata, Guerber covers a wide range of epics. Each epic is dissected and presented in a way that educates and engages readers, highlighting the themes, characters, and cultural significance of each narrative. One aspect that stands out in Guerber's writing is her ability to provide context and historical background. She seamlessly weaves in details about the cultures and eras in which these epics were composed, giving readers a deeper understanding of their origins. This serves to enhance the reading experience and brings these ancient stories to life in a new and meaningful way. Another strength of The Book of the Epic is Guerber's talent for storytelling. Despite being a work of non-fiction, her prose is beautifully woven together, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the narratives. Interwoven with excerpts from the original texts and accompanied by vivid descriptions, each epic is presented in a compelling manner that evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, the book is well-organized, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more scholarly interest in the subject. Guerber provides ample background information before diving into each epic, making it accessible even to those who may not be familiar with the myths and legends being discussed. Furthermore, she includes a comprehensive bibliography for further reading, allowing readers to delve deeper into any particular epic that piques their interest. One potential criticism of The Book of the Epic is that the author's analysis might feel shallow at times, as she covers numerous epics in a single volume. This might leave some readers craving a deeper exploration of certain texts. Nevertheless, Guerber strikes a balance between providing enough information to engage readers and not overwhelming them with excessive detail. In conclusion, The Book of the Epic is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in world literature or ancient storytelling traditions. Hélène A. Guerber's passion for epics shines through her writing, capturing the essence of these timeless tales and revealing their enduring relevance. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the world of epics, and it will undoubtedly leave readers hungry for more exploration into the vast literary realms it covers. First Page: THE BOOK OF THE EPIC The World's Great Epics Told in Story by H. A. GUERBER Author of Myths of Greece and Rome , Myths of Northern Lands , Legends of the Middle Ages , etc. With an Introduction by J. Berg Esenwein, Litt. D. With Sixteen Illustrations from the Masters of Painting 1913 INTRODUCTION Every now and then in our reading we come suddenly face to face with first things, the very elemental sources beyond which no man may go. There is a distinct satisfaction in dealing with such beginnings, and, when they are those of literature, the sense of freshness is nothing short of inspiring. To share the same lofty outlook, to breathe the same high air with those who first sensed a whole era of creative thoughts, is the next thing to being the gods' chosen medium for those primal expressions. All this is not to say that the epic is the oldest form of literary expression, but it is the expression of the oldest literary ideas, for, even when the epic is not at all primitive in form, it deals essentially with elemental moods and ideals. Epical poetry is poetic not because it is metrical and conformative to rhythmical standards, though it usually is both, but it is poetry because of the high sweep of its emotional outlook, the bigness of its thought, the untamed passion of its language, and the musical flow of its utterance... Continue reading book >>

The Book of the Epic By: Hélène A. Guerber (1859-1929)

The Book of the Epic by Hélène A. Guerber is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of some of the most famous epics in world literature. With her extensive knowledge and impeccable research, Guerber takes readers on a literary journey through ancient civilizations and folklore, shedding light on the rich tapestry of human storytelling throughout history.

The book begins with an introduction that sets the stage for what lies ahead - an in-depth analysis of epic poems from various cultures. From the Greek classics like The Iliad and The Odyssey, to Norse legends like Beowulf, and even tales from India like The Mahabharata, Guerber covers a wide range of epics. Each epic is dissected and presented in a way that educates and engages readers, highlighting the themes, characters, and cultural significance of each narrative.

One aspect that stands out in Guerber's writing is her ability to provide context and historical background. She seamlessly weaves in details about the cultures and eras in which these epics were composed, giving readers a deeper understanding of their origins. This serves to enhance the reading experience and brings these ancient stories to life in a new and meaningful way.

Another strength of The Book of the Epic is Guerber's talent for storytelling. Despite being a work of non-fiction, her prose is beautifully woven together, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the narratives. Interwoven with excerpts from the original texts and accompanied by vivid descriptions, each epic is presented in a compelling manner that evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impression.

Additionally, the book is well-organized, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more scholarly interest in the subject. Guerber provides ample background information before diving into each epic, making it accessible even to those who may not be familiar with the myths and legends being discussed. Furthermore, she includes a comprehensive bibliography for further reading, allowing readers to delve deeper into any particular epic that piques their interest.

One potential criticism of The Book of the Epic is that the author's analysis might feel shallow at times, as she covers numerous epics in a single volume. This might leave some readers craving a deeper exploration of certain texts. Nevertheless, Guerber strikes a balance between providing enough information to engage readers and not overwhelming them with excessive detail.

In conclusion, The Book of the Epic is an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in world literature or ancient storytelling traditions. Hélène A. Guerber's passion for epics shines through her writing, capturing the essence of these timeless tales and revealing their enduring relevance. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the world of epics, and it will undoubtedly leave readers hungry for more exploration into the vast literary realms it covers.

First Page:

THE BOOK OF THE EPIC

The World's Great Epics Told in Story

H. A. GUERBER

Author of Myths of Greece and Rome , Myths of Northern Lands , Legends of the Middle Ages , etc.

With an Introduction by J. Berg Esenwein, Litt. D.

With Sixteen Illustrations from the Masters of Painting

1913

INTRODUCTION

Every now and then in our reading we come suddenly face to face with first things, the very elemental sources beyond which no man may go. There is a distinct satisfaction in dealing with such beginnings, and, when they are those of literature, the sense of freshness is nothing short of inspiring. To share the same lofty outlook, to breathe the same high air with those who first sensed a whole era of creative thoughts, is the next thing to being the gods' chosen medium for those primal expressions.

All this is not to say that the epic is the oldest form of literary expression, but it is the expression of the oldest literary ideas, for, even when the epic is not at all primitive in form, it deals essentially with elemental moods and ideals. Epical poetry is poetic not because it is metrical and conformative to rhythmical standards, though it usually is both, but it is poetry because of the high sweep of its emotional outlook, the bigness of its thought, the untamed passion of its language, and the musical flow of its utterance... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

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