Edda (Everyman's Library) - Softcover

Sturluson, Snorri

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0460876163 ISBN 13: 9780460876162

Publisher: Everyman Paperbacks, 1995

Synopsis

"But the king's heart swells, bulging with courage in battle, where heroes sink down..."

Over a period of twenty years Snorri Sturluson, scholar, courtier and poet, compiled the prose Edda as a textbook for young poets who wished to praise kings. His work surveys the content, style and metres of traditional Viking poetry and includes a lengthy poem of Snorrie's own, honoring the king of Norway. Ironically, Snorri was killed in his cellar in Iceland in 1241 on the instigation of the king of Norway, as a result of political intrigue.

The Edda contains the most extensive account of Norse myths and legends that have survived from the Middle Ages as well as the famous stories of Odin winning back the mead of poetic inspiration and Thor fishing for the Midgard serpent.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Founded in 1906 by J.M. Dent, the Everyman Library has always tried to make the best books ever written available to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible price. Unique editorial features that help Everyman Paperback Classics stand out from the crowd include: a leading scholar or literary critic's introduction to the text, a biography of the author, a chronology of her or his life and times, a historical selection of criticism, and a concise plot summary. All books published since 1993 have also been completely restyled: all type has been reset, to offer a clarity and ease of reading unique among editions of the classics; a vibrant, full-color cover design now complements these great texts with beautiful contemporary works of art. But the best feature must be Everyman's uniquely low price. Each Everyman title offers these extensive materials at a price that competes with the most inexpensive editions on the market-but Everyman Paperbacks have durable binding, quality paper, and the highest editorial and scholarly standards.

About the Author:

Snorri Sturluson, historian, poet and politician, was born at Hvamm in western Iceland in 1179. He belonged to an aristocratic family, the Sturlungar. Snorri acquired great wealth and power and was twice lawspeaker at the Icelandic parliament, and twice visited Norway, where he became embroiled in the politics of King Hakon Hakonarson and the king's father-in-law, Earl Skuli. The latter rebelled against the king and was killed. Snorri also became subject to the king's displeasure and was killed in 1241 in his own cellar. His HEIMSKRINGLA is the best account of medieval Scandinavian history. He may also be the author of EGILS SAGA, one of the finest of the Sagas of Icelanders.

About this edition

• Publisher: Everyman Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0460876163
• ISBN 13: 9780460876162
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288