William Paton Ker's "Epic and Romance: Essays on Medieval Literature" explores the enduring power of epic poetry and romance literature. This collection of essays delves into the history and criticism of these timeless forms, offering insightful analysis of medieval literature's key characteristics. Ker's work provides a framework for understanding the literary landscape of the period, illuminating the development and significance of epic poems and romantic narratives. From examinations of ancient influences to detailed discussions of specific works, "Epic and Romance" provides a comprehensive overview. This volume appeals to anyone interested in literary criticism, particularly of ancient and European poetry. It serves as a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of these foundational literary forms and their historical context. Prepared for print republication, this edition preserves the integrity of Ker's original scholarship.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.