With contributions from leading scholars, this is a unique cross-cultural comparison of historical epics across a wide range of cultures and time periods, which presents crucial insights into how history is treated in narrative poetry.: The first book to gain new insights into the topic of 'epic and history' through in-depth cross-cultural comparisons; Covers epic traditions across the globe and across a wide range of time periods; Brings together leading specialists in the field, and is edited by two internationally regarded scholars; An important reference for scholars and students intereste.