Heroes
The Champions of Our Literary Imagination
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On Sale:
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09/08/2007
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Formats:
Hardback
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What makes the heroes of
literature—Gilgamesh, Jesus, Beowulf, Hamlet, even Superman—so intriguing and
enduring? Do they grasp and fire our imaginations because they’re larger than
life or because they’re more human than we might imagine?
Bestselling author and broadcaster Bruce Meyer unmasks the greatest heroes of
literature, showing what makes them heroic as well as what makes them human.
Ultimately, he demonstrates, heroes reflect the best of humanity. What Meyer’s
bestselling book The Golden Thread did for the touchstone works of
Western literature, Heroes does for our rich canon of flawed yet powerful
characters. Whether tragic and epic, divine or infernal, Meyer ushers us into
the company of extraordinary figures and guides us through some of the greatest
stories ever told.
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Author Extras
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Critical Praise for
Heroes
"This is not simply a book about the heroes we encounter in literature; it is, rather, a realistic interpretation of the figures we encounter in everyday life. Bruce Meyer's brilliance for narrative, perspective and perception gives us insight into the characters we meet and see and love and hate. Meyer has drawn for us the champions of our imagination so expertly that they become real, and populate our consciences."
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Austin Clarke
"Great, big, complex ideas in a small, tight, extremely readable package. A bird's eye view on a fascinating topic. Edifying, informative, wonderful."
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Tomson Highway
“Meyer is very reminiscent of Northrop Frye. . . . He is able to deal with
large, complex ideas in a very readable way.”
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The Globe and Mail
“Meyer’s beautiful writing and perceptive observations give readers a new
perspective on their favourite literary heroes, ranging from Superman to Dante.”
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Winnipeg Free Press
Reader Reviews from First Look
Meyer has written a book that is a very detailed examination of what a hero is in literature. His arguments are convincing and well thought out. Definitely a book to pick up for readers looking for a new perspective.
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Angela (Toronto, ON)
Meyer has written a book that is a very detailed examination of what a hero is in literature. His arguments are convincing and well thought out. Definitely a book to pick up for readers looking for a new perspective.
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Angela (Toronto, ON)
An interesting perspective on heroes and what makes them. I found some chapters more fascinating than others, but enjoyed "Heroes" and Bruce Meyer's perspectives.
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Heather (London, ON)
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Heroes
What makes the heroes of literature—Gilgamesh, Jesus, Beowulf, Hamlet, even Superman—so intriguing and enduring? Do they grasp and fire our imaginations because they’re larger than life or because they’re more human than we might imagine? Bestselling author and broadcaster...
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The Golden Thread
New Page 1 “Meyer is the best sort of critical reader: one who loves literature and also enjoys discussing it in an enlightened and accessible manner.” —Quill & Quire Homer, Sophocles, Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare and all the other great authors are still with us in ways we might...
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