Synopses & Reviews
The collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry known as the
Poetic Edda contains the great narratives of the creation of the world and the coming of Ragnarok, the Doom of the Gods. The mythological poems explore the wisdom of the gods and giants, narrating the adventures of the god Thor against the hostile giants and the gods' rivalries amongst themselves. The heroic poems trace the exploits of the hero Helgi and his valkyrie bride, the tragic tale of Sigurd and Brynhild's doomed love, and the terrible drama of Sigurd's widow Gudrun and her children.
Many of the poems predate the conversion of Scandinavia to Christianity, allowing us to glimpse the pagan beliefs of the North. Since the rediscovery of the Poetic Edda in the seventeenth century, its poetry has fascinated artists as diverse as Thomas Gray, Richard Wagner, and Jorge Luis Borges.
This is the first complete translation to be published in Britain for fifty years, and it includes a scholarly introduction, notes, a genealogy of the gods and giants, and an index of names. With a new, modern package this title is an invaluable classic for your bookshelf.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Review
and#8220;This magical book is a bibliophileand#8217;s delight.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;A lavishly illustrated book. . . . Larrington and Purkiss make an important claim about the genesis of childrenand#8217;s fantasy literature, which makes their book a useful adjunct to courses in that area.and#8221;
Synopsis
A faun carrying an umbrella. A hobbit who makes his home in a hole in the ground. An ill-treated schoolboy with a secret and a scar. Fantasy is among the most beloved genres in childrenandrsquo;s literatureandmdash; and its offerings are often just as eagerly anticipated by adults. But how is it that writers like J. K. Rowling and Philip Pullman are able to create such remarkable images?
Magical Tales traces the origin of the genre back through Norse mythology, Arthurian legend, and medieval literature. Drawing on manuscripts and rare books in the renowned collection of the Bodleian Library, the essays turn the spotlight on spell books; grimoires, or magical textbooks; and books of legend and myth whose themes writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis incorporated into their work, inspiring generations of writers that extend to the present day. In serving as a source of inspiration for later literary works, the contributors show, myths and legends have themselves been altered in interesting ways.
Richly illustrated, Magical Tales offers an enchanting take on the development of this wildly popular genre.
About the Author
Carolyne Larrington is a supernumerary fellow in medieval English at St Johnandrsquo;s College, University of Oxford, and the author, most recently, of
King Arthurandrsquo;s Enchantresses.
Diane Purkiss is a fellow and tutor of English at Keble College, University of Oxford. She is the author of numerous books, including A History of Food in England and Shakespeare and the Supernatural.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Carolyne Larrington with Diane Purkiss
1. Books of magic
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Diane Purkiss
2. The myths of the north in childrenand#8217;s books
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Carolyne Larrington
3. The magical Middle Ages in childrenand#8217;s fantasy literature
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; David Clark
4. Once and future Arthurs: Arthurian literature for children
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Anna Caughey
5. The magic of finger and thumb: early movable books for children
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Hannah Field
Notes and references
About the contributors
Index