The Faber Book of Northern Legends by Kevin (editor) Crossley-Holland - 1977

Faber, London, 1977. First Edition. Hardcover (Original Cloth). Near Fine Condition/Very Good. Illustrator: Alan Howard. The twentv-two stories in this volume are drawn from Norse mythology, Germanic heroic legend and Icelandic sagas, which between them make up the heroic literature of the Teutonic peoples. Coming originally from the Russian steppes, the Teutons spread all over North-western Europe, but their stories continued to resemble each other in subject and mood. A sense of harsh inevitable fate, stoical courage and loyalty to lord and kin mark them all. The book opens with 'The gods in their glory', a group of heroic myths describing the founding of Asgard and the triumphs of the god over their enemies. Then follow six Germanic heroic legends, including episodes from Beowulf and the story of Sigurd. The seven episodes from the Icelandic sagas illustrate their astonishing variety, the tragedy of 'The Burning of Bergthorsknoll' contrasting with the real-life adventure of 'The Expedition of Thorfin Karlsefni' and the delightfully matter of fact treatment of the supernatural in 'The Hauntings of Frodriver'. The anthology is rounded off by a second group of Norse myths, 'The twilight of the gods', ending with the death of Balder and the coming of Ragnarok. Kevin Crossley-Holland, poet, translator, and author of children's books, has an affinity with the Northern tradition which makes him the ideal editor for this anthology, and his contributors include many distinguished names of the present and the past. Size: Octavo (standard book size). 236 pages. Dust Jacket is in very good condition, without tears or chips or other damage, other than spine which is faded by sun exposure. Dust Jacket un-clipped. Silver titles spine. purple cloth; illustrated by b/w. drawings. Includes index of names & subjects plus list of translations & retellings. Illustrator: Alan Howard. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: Myths, Legends & Folklore; Norse Mythology; Teutonic Literature; Anthologies; Literature & Literary. ISBN: 0571109128. ISBN/EAN: 9780571109128. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 2801. . 9780571109128