Old Norse-Icelandic Literature: A Critical Guide, ed. Carol J. Clover and John Lindow, with a new preface by Theodore M. Andersson, Medieval Academy Reprints for Teaching 42

Abstract

ONE can only welcome this reprint of the original volume of bibliographical essays published by Cornell University Press in 1985 (Islandica Series, volume 40). It is an essential introduction to the field for any serious student of Old Norse and a valuable reference guide for established scholars. As the original preface explains, the book stemmed from the contributors’ recognition of the diverse needs and backgrounds of North American students interested in Old Norse-Icelandic literature, and a lack of resources in English to convey an overall sense of the material's content and range. As such, the guide plugged a much-needed gap in the market, providing full bibliographical references up to the summer of 1983, summaries of and comments on critical thinking by acknowledged experts within each of the areas covered, namely ‘Mythology and Mythography’ (by John Lindow), ‘Eddic Poetry’ (Joseph Harris), ‘Skaldic Poetry’ (Roberta Frank), ‘Kings’ Sagas’ (Theodore M. Andersson), ‘Icelandic Family Sagas’ (Carol J. Clover), and ‘Norse Romance’ (Marianne Kalinke).