This classic study is an introduction to "oral poetry," a broad subject which Ruth Finnegan interprets as ranging from American folksongs, Eskimo lyrics, and mo

Drawing on many examples including an American slam poet, a Tibetan paper-singer, a South African praise-poet, and an ancient Greek bard (Homer) the author show

This book, first published in 1983, was the first detailed study of the Xhosa oral poetry tradition.

In his comprehensive treatment, Zumthor (emeritus, U. of Montreal) discusses general issues concerning oral poetry, from primary to mechanized orality (includin