The Cambridge Introduction to the Old Norse-Icelandic Saga

The medieval Norse-Icelandic saga is one of the most important European vernacular literary genres of the Middle Ages. This Introduction to the saga genre outlines its origins and development, its literary character, its material existence in manuscripts and printed editions, and its changing reception from the Middle Ages to the present time. Its multiple sub-genres - including family sagas, mythical-heroic sagas and sagas of knights - are described and discussed in detail, and the world of medieval Icelanders is powerfully evoked. The first general study of the Old Norse-Icelandic saga to be written in English for some decades, the Introduction is based on up-to-date scholarship and engages with current debates in the field. With suggestions for further reading, detailed information about the Icelandic literary canon, and a map of medieval Iceland, this book is aimed at students of medieval literature and assumes no prior knowledge of Scandinavian languages.

Author: Margaret Clunies Ross
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 10/28/2010
Pages: 210
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780521514019

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2011

About the Author
Clunies Ross, Margaret: - Margaret Clunies Ross is Emeritus Professor of English and Honorary Professor in the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Sydney.