The World of Homer

Name: The World of Homer
Author: Andrew Lang

By Andrew Lang

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - Ancient

About This Book

The author surveys Homeric poetry and contemporary criticism, disputing doctrines that break the epics into many late interpolations and advocating for a collective, traditional mode of epic composition rooted in formulaic oral practice. He contrasts learned, single-author art-epics with spontaneous national lays, examines archaeological findings and lost or fragmentary epics, and draws comparisons with other early epic traditions. Detailed chapters treat Homeric lands, peoples, burial customs, arms, costume, and tactics, using material evidence to contextualize poetic depictions. Throughout, contested passages are re-evaluated with attention to how oral transmission and later accretions have shaped the surviving texts.

About the Author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for his contributions to folklore and mythology. He is perhaps best recognized for his work "A Collection of Ballads," which showcases his interest in traditional narratives. Lang was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays and books on various subjects, including history and literature. His literary style often blended humor with scholarly insight, making his works accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his original writings, he is celebrated for his role in popularizing fairy tales through his collections, which have become integral to the study of folklore.