Heroes and Legends: The Most Influential Characters of Literature : Audiobook Review
Heroes and Legends: The Most Influential Characters of Literature – An Audio Book Review
- Heroes and Legends
- Author: The Great Course
- Narrated by: Professor Thomas A. Shippey
- Length: 12 hours and 15 minutes
- Unabridged
- Genre: Classics
Download or CD available to BUY at Amazon.
Audio book Summary:
Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Robinson Crusoe, Frodo Baggins and Harry Potter, these are just a few of the most well-known heroic figures in literature. But did you know that there is an underlying connection between these protagonists that are separated by hundreds of years? Why it that stories about heroism and sacrifice is has been a staple of literature and do these stories of heroic adventures reflect the changing times? Heroes and Legends is a 24 lecture audiobook that gives a fresh new look into the greatest heroic figures in literature, from fearless warriors such as Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Odysseus to unexpected heroes like Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.
The world of literature has seen countless heroes pass through history, some reflecting the era they were conceived while others that actually redefined nations and people alike. Discover the importance of such figures in society and how even to this day we look up to these characters as a sort of role model to help shape and mold ourselves for the better.
One reason to listen:
Enjoy a fresh look at our important literary heroes and their significance to us as a society.
Reactions:
“This is the Great Courses lecture I have most enjoyed listening to (and I have listened to quite a few). Professor Shippey’s grasp of his subject is excellent: He presents characters when first found in literature, placing them in the framework of that time, then traces their reincarnations as societies and mores change over time. It’s wonderful, sometimes surprising, to find a mythic figure, or even one from the middle ages, so alive and well, in 21st century literature! This course cites books and movies new within the past few years. Kudos to Professor Shippey: Not only has he thought long upon his subjects; he continues to consider them as they may appear to us today.” – SC in SC
“I am having such a great time listening to this. I actually stopped JUST to write this review and say anyone who is interested in learning how to build a great unforgettable character needs to listen to this! And trust me on this; you will have a great time while you learn! He is all my favorite college professors rolled into one!” – Amy
“I loved this book with some of its insightful discussions of the greater political work vs. individual struggles.” – K
“This course should have been called “The Most Influential Characters in Western History” because I don’t see any of the influential characters in Middle Eastern, Asian or African civilisations. And there’s plenty to choose from. All characters and stories discussed take place in America, Europe or a fantasy equivalent of them. Such a lost opportunity to really explore the world.” – Saud
“I only honed in on the characters I knew about, some of them are great but some are just really boring. Maybe a follow up book of more current characters would’ve helped or maybe I should have paid better attention in my lit classes in college.” – Stefanie
Score on Audible: 4.4 out of 5
Score on Amazon: 4.0 out of 5
