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The Anthropology of Wisdom Literature
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This book is not currently available for purchase Online. Please call 1-800-225-5800 to backorder. Foreword by Madeline Sutherland
Book Code: H472
ISBN: 0-89789-472-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-89789-472-2
184 pages, figures, maps
Bergin & Garvey
Publication: 9/30/1996
List Price: $110.95 (UK Sterling Price: £65.00)
Availability: Out of stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: This unusual book examines definitions of the fable, apologue, parable, moral tale, etc. It then proposes the use of the term exemplum, used by medieval scribes, to define all types of wisdom narratives. It makes a cross-cultural structural analysis of the exemplum and identifies its tripartite structure composed of the promythium, the nucleus, and the epimythium. The book ends with an analysis of the reasons why grown men spent so much time writing and collecting these tales. It demonstrates that fables and related genres were not really meant for little children to learn moral lessons. They were used to teach complex religious and political ideologies, to safely ridicule tyrants and despots, to release tensions, and to give good or bad advice.
Table of Contents:
  • Foreword by Madeline Sutherland
  • Introduction
  • Morphology of the Exemplum
  • Typology of the Exemplum
  • Oriental Roots
  • From the Vedas to the Epics
  • From the Upanishads to the Brhat-Katha
  • The Derivatives of the Brhat-Katha
  • Classical Roots
  • From Homer to Aristotle
  • Hellenistic Collections
  • From Phaedrus to Avianus
  • The Exemplum in Medieval Europe
  • From the New Testament to Caesarius of Arles
  • Revival of the Collections
  • From Juan Manuel to Boccaccio
  • Functions of the Exemplum
  • Intra-Textual Functions
  • Extra-Textual Functions
  • Conclusion
  • Bibliography
  • Index
LC Card Number: 96-11423
LCC Class: PN871
Dewey Class: 809
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