Jackson Crawford Three-Book Boxed Set
The Poetic Edda, The Saga of the Volsungs, and Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes
By: Jackson Crawford
Since the 2015 publication of The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes, Old Norse specialist Dr. Jackson Crawford has delighted readers with his English-language translations of Old Norse sagas and poems that tell the tales of Odin, Thor, Loki, dragon-slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, Hrólf Kraki, and many more. This limited-edition set collects three of Dr. Crawford's Hackett Publishing books, The Poetic Edda (2015), The Saga of the Volsungs (2017), and Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes (2021) in a beautifully designed, hand-numbered, and hand-crafted slipcase box. Each book in the set features smyth-sewn hardcover bindings with new custom artwork for the front covers. The Poetic Edda features a medallion of the wolf Fenrir, The Saga of the Volsungs a medallion of the dragon/serpent Fafnir, and Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes a medallion of a bear. Each volume in the set begins with a phrase hand-written by Dr. Crawford that best exemplifies the text to follow or Dr. Crawford's favorite passage from the book. The quotes in The Poetic Edda and Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes also contain the runic "originals." The Poetic Edda also includes a bookplate personally signed by Dr. Crawford and hand-tipped into the front of the book.
AI Overview
The "Jackson Crawford Three-Book Boxed Set" includes three of Jackson Crawford's notable works: The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes, The Saga of the Volsungs with the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok, and The Wanderer’s Hávamál. Here is a comprehensive overview of each book and the set as a whole:
The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes (2015)
Key Themes:
- Norse Mythology: The book delves into the stories of the Norse gods and heroes, exploring their adventures, battles, and ultimate fates.
- Cultural Context: Crawford provides historical and cultural context to help readers understand the significance of these myths in ancient Scandinavian society.
- Poetic Translations: The book features poetic translations of the original Old Norse texts, making the ancient stories accessible to modern readers.
Plot Summary: The Poetic Edda is a collection of Old Norse poems that tell the stories of the gods, giants, and heroes of Norse mythology. It includes famous poems like "The Lay of Volsung" and "The Lay of Ragnarok," which describe the end of the world and the final battle between gods and giants. The book covers a wide range of themes, from the creation of the world to the ultimate destruction of it.
Critical Reception: The book received positive reviews for its clear and poetic translations. Critics praised Crawford for making the complex and often obscure Old Norse texts accessible to a broad audience without sacrificing their historical and cultural integrity.
The Saga of the Volsungs with the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok (2017)
Key Themes:
- Historical Saga: This book is a translation of two Icelandic sagas, focusing on the legendary hero Sigurd and the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok.
- Cultural Significance: The sagas provide insights into the cultural and historical context of medieval Scandinavia, including themes of honor, loyalty, and fate.
- Historical Accuracy: Crawford emphasizes historical accuracy and clarity in his translations, making the stories more engaging and understandable.
Plot Summary: The Saga of the Volsungs tells the story of Sigurd, a legendary hero who slays the dragon Fafnir and acquires the treasure of the Nibelungs. The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok follows the adventures of Ragnar, a Norse warrior and leader who is said to have raided England and France. The two sagas are intertwined, sharing common themes and characters.
Critical Reception: The book was praised for its detailed and accurate translations, which brought these historical sagas to life for modern readers. Critics noted that Crawford's work made the complex narratives more engaging and easier to understand.
The Wanderer’s Hávamál (2019)
Key Themes:
- Wisdom and Philosophy: The book focuses on the wisdom and philosophical insights contained in the Old Norse poem Hávamál, attributed to the god Odin.
- Cultural Context: Crawford provides historical and cultural context to help readers understand the significance of Hávamál in Norse mythology.
- Unique Interpretation: The book includes a unique "Cowboy Hávamál" version inspired by Crawford's grandfather's speech, adding a personal touch to the traditional text.
Plot Summary: Hávamál is a collection of sayings and wisdom attributed to Odin. The poem offers advice on various aspects of life, from wisdom and courage to love and death. The book provides a detailed translation of the original text, along with cultural explanations and insights.
Critical Reception: The book received positive reviews for its unique interpretation and cultural context. Critics praised Crawford for making the ancient wisdom accessible and engaging for modern readers.
The Jackson Crawford Three-Book Boxed Set
Overview: The boxed set includes The Poetic Edda, The Saga of the Volsungs with the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok, and The Wanderer’s Hávamál. This collection provides a comprehensive introduction to Norse mythology and Old Norse literature, covering a wide range of themes and stories.
Key Features:
- Historical Accuracy: Each book emphasizes historical accuracy and clarity, making the ancient stories more understandable.
- Cultural Context: The set provides detailed cultural context, helping readers understand the significance of these myths and sagas in ancient Scandinavian society.
- Accessible Translations: The translations are poetic yet straightforward, making the complex Old Norse texts accessible to a broad audience.
Critical Reception: The boxed set has been praised for its comprehensive coverage of Norse mythology and literature. Critics noted that Crawford's work has made these ancient stories more engaging and easier to understand, while maintaining their historical and cultural integrity.
In summary, the "Jackson Crawford Three-Book Boxed Set" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Norse mythology and Old Norse