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Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition cover art

Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition

By: The Great Courses, Elizabeth Vandiver, James A. W. Heffernan
Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver, James A. W. Heffernan
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Summary

From the anonymous author of the Epic of Gilgamesh in ancient Mesopotamia to William Faulkner writing about Mississippi 3,600 years later, many of Western culture's greatest figures have been writers. Their landmark themes, unique insights into human nature, dynamic characters, experimental storytelling techniques, and rich philosophical ideas helped create the vibrant storytelling methods we find reflected in today's authors.

These 84 brilliant lectures survey more than 70 literary geniuses and masterpieces of Western literature, offering you the chance to experience a veritable encyclopedia of great writers who have played critical roles in Western history, influencing everything from religion to politics - to say nothing of the myriad literary genres and movements, which illustrate how writers reacted to their cultural environments and demonstrate the crucial relationship between a writer and his or her time.

From Homer and Virgil to Cervantes and Milton to Dickens and Joyce, the featured texts and authors are so richly varied and cover so many different centuries, societies, literary movements, and genres, yet you'll discover a panorama of literary relationships between periods, authors, and the paths that brought us to where we are in literature today.

Amid all the discussions from five highly esteemed professors, you'll return again and again to the idea of literature as a powerful force in our lives. You'll come away with a well-rounded and well-informed understanding of both these literary icons and the larger role that literature has played in our cultural history.

The complete list of lecturers includes professors Elizabeth Vandiver, James A.W. Heffernan, Ronald B. Herzman, Susan Sage Heinzelman, and Thomas F.X. Noble.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

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excellent lectures

these lectures cover major authors from antiquity up to 20th century and help to appreciate the most prolific works of western literature. they are interesting and inspiring and, unlike some of the Great Courses delivered in a very engaging way.

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5 people found this helpful

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A good, though inconsistent, general overview,

The best lectures were those that covered the ancient world and the Renaissance. The last lecturer, who covers the modern period, did a much worse job (stylistically and substantively).

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4 people found this helpful

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Format didn't quite work

The first lecturer was excellent but the rest were a mixed bunch. Each lecture attempted to set the historical context, the life of the author, summarise the work, and indicate why it was good or important. This is simply too difficult a task in the short time allowed for each. I would strongly recommend Arnold Weinstein's Understanding Literature and Life lectures in preference

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