Singers and Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature

by Michael D.C. Drout

In this course, Professor Michael D. C. Drout traces literature back to its ultimate sources in oral tradition. Drout shows us how works as varied as the Odyssey, Beowulf, the Finnish Kalevala, and epic songs from the former Yugoslavia were shaped by their origins as songs sung - and composed - before a live audience. Understanding the oral roots of these great works lets us see them in a whole new light. From classical texts to contemporary digital media, Drout demonstrates how the dynamics of oral tradition shape the verbal art that makes us who we are.

Genres: Nonfiction, Folklore, History, Audiobook, Literature, Poetry, Language

Audible Audio

First published November 14, 2014

Reviews

[Lance Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Drout's work. This is his 8th or so Modern Scholar production and he's just a joy to listen to. He's always excited and engaged with the course he is presenting and he has many different asides that make it feel like each lecture is a conversation. This lecture series brings a lot of insight into oral tradition, what we assume about it, what it really is, and how it is different from and informs the written tradition. What's great about Drout is that he covers a good range of literature and does his best to go beyond his own comfort zone of training to explore non-Western traditions of oral tradition.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Drout's weaker lecture series. Plenty of enthusiasm for the topic, but not much in the way of actual substance.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Michael Drout. Even though I wasn't overly interested in the subject matter to begin with, he made it interesting and educated me.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good lecture series. My main wish is that it were longer and included a course guide so there was something to more easily reflect on; though, yes, it is appropriate to have an entirely oral presentation given the topic.

I've actually studied quite a bit that was covered in this series before (Homer, Beowulf, the Kalevala), but this gave me new insight and appreciation on the topic of oral tradition and orally composed poetry. I think my prior experience with these topics was tinted by the lens of older views and prejudices on the idea of oral composition, views which the lecturer rather effectively deconstructs in these lectures.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was just browsing the shelves at my local library when I found, “Singers and Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature,” by Michael Drout. It just looked interesting and different enough to give it a try. It is part of the Modern Scholar series and consists of eight lectures.
Overall I enjoyed the lecture series. I was hoping for a little more detail and wanted the lectures to be longer. However, this is more of an intro, and the author does make several suggestions on where to go to learn more.
If looking for something different, these eight lectures are worth giving a try.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love listening to Professor Drout! Not only is he knowledgeable, but his enthusiasm for his subject, whether oral tradition, as here; Old English literature; or Tolkien, is contagious and carries the listener along.

[Linnea Kroeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so interesting! He goes through the oral tradition of many cultures and connects it to the written word.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting lecture series on the oral tradition.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable lecture series from Modern Scholars. Drout is engaging in a way that inspires the listener to do something.

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great lectures and the lecturer is enthusiastic, I just wish it had been longer. Oral tradition deserves more attention!