The Theory of Oral Composition: History and Methodology

. . . excellent book . . . --The Classical Outlook

. . . brief and readable . . . There is good tonic in these pages for the serious student of oral tradition . . . a remarkable book. --Asian Folklore Studies

The bibliography is a boon for students and faculty at any level who are curious about the nature, composition, and performance of oral poetry. --Choice

. . . concise, evolutionary account . . . --Religious Studies Review

As ever, Professor Foley's conscientious scholarship and sound judgements combine to make a further substantial contribution to the field. --E. C. Hawkesworth, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, The Slavonic Review

Foley is probably the only scholar who is in a position even to suggest the extent of what we should know to work in this area. --Speculum

Foley's survey stands as a fitting tribute to the achievements of Parry and Lord and as a sure guide to future productive work in the field. --Journal of American Folklore

. . . detailed and informative study . . . We are fortunate that John Foley chose to write this book. --Motif

. . . Theory of Oral Composition . . . detailed account written in an elegant style which could serve equally as a textbook for college and graduate students and as a reference tool for scholars already in the field. --Olifant

As an 'introductory history, ' The Theory of Oral Composition accomplishes its purpose admirably. It has the capacity to arouse interest on the part of the uninitiated. --Anthropologica

Presents the first history of the new field of oral-formulaic theory, which arose from the pioneering research of Milman Parry and Albert Lord on the Homeric poems.

Author: John Miles Foley
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 06/22/1988
Pages: 188
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 9.23h x 5.99w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9780253204653