The Western Literary Tradition: Volume 1

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This compact anthology offers a comprehensive introduction to key works in the Western literary tradition from Antiquity to 1700. It features excerpts from seventy texts across eight languages and various genres, including epic, lyric, dramatic verse, prose narratives like story and novel, and non-fiction prose such as autobiography, biography, letters, speeches, dialogues, and essays. The collection includes selections from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and notable authors like Homer, Euripides, Virgil, Ovid, Saint Augustine, Dante, Chaucer, Machiavelli, Montaigne, Shakespeare, and Milton. Notably, it also highlights works by women writers often overlooked in other anthologies, including Sappho, Margery Kempe, Marie de France, and Christine de Pizan. The clear and engaging introductions and notes by Margaret L. King enhance readers' understanding of the texts and provide insights into specific authors and relevant issues. The anthology's modest length and cost facilitate the inclusion of full-length works, many of which are available in Hackett Publishing's respected and affordable translations, making it a valuable resource without significantly increasing textbook expenses.