Theory of Oral Composition

<p> . . . excellent book . . . --The Classical Outlook<br /><br /> . . . brief and readable . . . There is good tonic in these pages for the serious student of oral tradition . . . a remarkable book. --Asian Folklore Studies<br /><br />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<br /><br /> . . . concise evolutionary account . . . --Religious Studies Review<br /><br />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<br /><br />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<br /><br />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<br /><br /> . . . detailed and informative study . . . We are fortunate that John Foley chose to write this book. --Motif<br /><br /> . . . 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<br /><br />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<br /><br />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.</p>