The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in Story

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

13983

Title

The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in Story

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This anthology compiles the world's greatest epics, from Homer's Greek tales to the Indian Ramayana and American frontier legends. H. A. Guerber distills voluminous original works into accessible narratives, blending myth, history, and heroic adventure. Ideal for students and general readers, it offers a sweeping tour of humanity's primal stories, highlighting universal themes of love, war, and destiny.

Summary up to 500 words

H. A. Guerber's *The Book of the Epic* serves as a comprehensive guide to the world's great epics, grouping works by language and culture to facilitate comparative study. The volume posits that epics are the "first-fruits of imaginative races," expressing elemental moods and ideals rather than literal history. While often imperfect in form, these narratives reflect the true genius of the nations that produced them. The anthology proceeds chronologically and geographically, beginning with Greek epics. Guerber attributes the *Iliad* and *Odyssey* to Homer, while noting the existence of lost cyclic poems like the *Cypria* and *Thebais* that expanded the Trojan and Theban cycles. The collection then moves to Latin works, highlighting Virgil's *Aeneid*, before exploring French epics such as the *Song of Roland* and *Aucassin and Nicolette*, as well as Spanish legends of the *Cid*. It further includes Portuguese, Italian, and British Isles epics, featuring *Beowulf*, the Arthurian Cycle, and Milton's *Paradise Lost*. German and Scandinavian sections detail the *Nibelungenlied*, the *Volsunga Saga*, and the *Kalevala*. In the latter, Guerber retells the adventures of Lemminkainen, Wainamoinen, and Ilmarinen, including the forging of the Sampo and the tragic fate of the Rainbow Maiden. Further sections explore Hebrew, Arabian, Persian, and Indian epics, such as the *Shah-Nameh*, the *Ramayana*, and the *Mahabharata*, alongside Chinese and Japanese poetry. The American section highlights early frontier narratives. Guerber emphasizes that while these stories often reflect the tone of a nation rather than literal history, they remain true to the earliest genius of their peoples. By condensing vast originals into brief outlines, the book aims to familiarize modern readers with the sources of modern literature. It proves that even the most ancient tales retain a fascinating store of fiction and vital human experience, offering a "face-to-face interview" with the primal expressions of the human spirit.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Epic Poetry
• Adaptations