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, saying, case, memorabile, fairy tale, joke: Andr 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. Published in German in 1929 and long recognized as a classic of genre theory, Simple Forms is the first English translation of 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 is of continuing relevance today. A major influence on literary genre studies since its publication, Simple Forms is finally available in English.