The Epic: A Very Short Introduction
The epic is an ancient, diverse, and global art form. This Very Short Introduction aims to showcase the scope and variety of epic storytelling around the world. Welch takes a global approach that traces key resemblances between the European classics and traditional heroic poetry from Africa, Central Asia, and the Near East.
Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
The epic is an ancient and universal form of artistic expression. Storytellers around the globe have long told of heroes who are touched by greatness and gain lasting fame.
In this Very Short Introduction, Anthony Welch places the Western epic canon alongside traditional heroic poetry from Asia, Africa, and the Near East. Tracing shared themes and practices that unite the world's epic literature, Welch examines the roles that epic poets serve in society and how epic storytelling differs from other narrative forms. Ranging widely from Gilgamesh to Derek Walcottâs Omeros, the author acquaints readers with some of the world's greatest literary works and asks why the epic holds such power over our imaginations.
