Albert Bates Lord

Albert Bates Lord was an influential scholar in the field of folklore and mythology, best known for his work on oral tradition and his role in developing the concept of the 'oral-formulaic composition'. He was a key figure in the study of epic poetry and collaborated closely with Milman Parry.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Singer Of Tales

    "The Singer of Tales" explores the fascinating art of oral tradition, particularly focusing on the practice of storytelling among Serbo-Croatian singers. The book delves into how these oral poets compose and recount epic poems without the aid of written texts, relying instead on a formulaic system that allows for creativity within a framework of repetition and common phrases. Building on the work of Milman Parry, the study examines the mechanisms by which oral traditions are maintained and transmitted across generations, shedding light on the cognitive and cultural processes that underpin this ancient form of narrative art.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time