Brian O. Murdoch Books

In The Germanic Hero Brian Murdoch looks at the role the warrior-hero plays within a set of predetermined political and social constraints. the hero is not a sword-wielding barbarian, bent only upon establishing his own fame; such fame-seekers (including some famous medieval literary figures) might even fall outside the definition of the Germanic hero, the real value of whose deeds are given meaning only within the political construct. Individual prowess is not enough. The hero must conquer the blows of fate because he is committed to the conquest of chaos, and over all to the need for social stability. Brian Murdoch discusses works in Old English, Old and Middle High German, Old Norse, Latin and Old French, deliberately going beyond what is normally thought of as 'heroic poetry' to include the German so-called 'minstrel epic', and a work by a writer who is normally classified as a late medieval chivalric poet, Konrad von Wurzburg, the comparison of which with Beowulf allows us to span half a millennium.

New view of Remarque's novels as a chronicle of the century yet more than a mere reflection of historical events.

The accepted canon of war poetry usually includes only those underlining patriotic or nationalistic views. This study opens up the view of war poetry with the inclusion of such material as Nazi poetry and song, and the poetry of the atomic bomb.

Exploring the presentation and accessibility of the book of Genesis, this work delves into how it is communicated to audiences who cannot read the original texts. It examines the methods used to convey its themes and narratives, as well as the potential interpretations and reactions from these readers. The focus is on bridging the gap between ancient scripture and contemporary understanding, highlighting the significance of translation and adaptation in making Genesis relevant to modern audiences.

The greatest novel about the First World War and an international bestseller.In the trenches, one by one the boys begin to fall...In 1914 a room full of German schoolboys, fresh-faced and idealistic, are goaded by their chauvinistic schoolteacher to troop off to the "glorious war". With the fore and patriotism of youth they sign up. Their disenchantment begins during the brutal basic training and then, as they board the train to the front, they see the terrible injuries suffered on the front line - their first glimpse of the reality of war.There are some books that should be read by every generation... Remarque's story of the German trench soldiers of the 1914-18 war gains even more authority in the context of the loss of life in wars that still rage from Bosnia to Kashmir - Chris Searle

Brian Murdoch provides an alternative view of the Middle Ages, showing the anarchy and decadence which lurked below the surface of a devout and conformist society. The grinning gargoyle, which mocked the solemnity of Gothic cathedrals, symbolises the violence, depravity and irreverence inherent in man which could not be suppressed by the church.

Exploring the works of Remarque, this analysis presents his novels as a profound chronicle of the 20th century, emphasizing their deeper significance beyond simply mirroring historical events. The examination reveals how his storytelling captures the complexities of human experience amidst turmoil, making his narratives resonate with timeless themes of loss, resilience, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Exploring the existential struggles in an age marked by war and destruction, this study delves into three significant twentieth-century German plays. It examines how characters confront the absence of salvation, highlighting the profound challenges of living amidst chaos. The analysis offers insights into the themes of mortality and meaning, reflecting the broader human experience in a tumultuous historical context.

Focusing on the complexities of collective memory, this book examines the impact of twentieth-century wars through diverse perspectives and disciplines. It draws from discussions at a 2000 conference at Stirling University, delving into how memory can be constructed or influenced. The exploration of themes such as remembering and forgetting offers insights into the ways societies process and memorialize their pasts.