Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Roger M. Walker. Tradition and Technique in "El Libro del Cavallero Zifar." Colección Támesis, Serie A, Monografias, 36. London: Tamesis.

A structural, stylistic, and literary-historical study of a prose romance heavily influenced by both Muslim Arabic and Christian Latin cultures. Contends that the style derives from (1) the techniques of the epic poets, by the early fourteenth century largely taken over by learned writers and (2) a new series of formulas stemming from the impact of oriental wisdom literature. Shows that both formulas and motifs are varied according to usage and desired effect. Maintains that the Zifar "stands as a bridge between the dying epic and clerecía traditions and the nascent novela de caballerías" (p. 224).
Area: HI