Simple Forms: Legend, Saga, Myth, Riddle, Saying, Case, Memorabile, Fairytale, Joke

A seminal text in literary theory available in English for the first time
Legend, saga, myth, riddle, proverb, case, anecdote, fairy tale, joke: Andre Jolles understands each of these nine simple forms as the reflection in language of a distinct mode of human engagement with the world and thus as a basic structuring principle of literary narrative. Long recognized as a classic of genre theory, "Simple Forms, "first published in 1929, has been called a significant precursor to structuralist and narratological approaches to literature. Like Vladimir Propp s "Morphology of the Folktale," with which it is often compared, Jolles s work is not only foundational for the later development of genre theory but of continuing relevance today. A major influence on literary genre studies since its publication, " Simple Forms" is now available for the first time in English. "From the Trade Paperback edition.""