The Epic: A Very Short Introduction - Anthony Welch

Category: Misc. Non-fiction
Language: English
Keywords: Criticism Literary History Very Short Introductions

Written by Anthony Welch
Read by David Stifel
Format: M4B
Bitrate: 128 Kbps
Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 03-25-25

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 Walcott’s Omeros, the author acquaints listeners with some of the world’s greatest literary works and asks why the epic holds such power over our imaginations.