{"product_id":"epic-a-very-short-introduction","title":"Epic: A Very Short Introduction","description":"\u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction, \u003c\/em\u003e 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 Walcottâs \u003cem\u003eOmeros, \u003c\/em\u003e the author acquaints readers with some of the world's greatest literary works and asks why the epic holds such power over our imaginations. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: The \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.","brand":"Anthony Welch","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46348057444588,"sku":"9780198795124","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/1791\/3068\/files\/9780198795124.jpg?v=1744109100","url":"https:\/\/intl.allstora.com\/products\/epic-a-very-short-introduction","provider":"Allstora","version":"1.0","type":"link"}