John Miles Foley (1947-2012) was an American scholar and professor of comparative literature and Classics. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of oral tradition and oral literature, particularly in the study of ancient and modern epic poetry.
Foley's extensive research and writings helped revolutionize the understanding of oral tradition as a major and independent form of literary expression. He highlighted the interconnectedness of oral and written literary traditions, arguing for the immense importance of the oral tradition in shaping cultural identities and preserving historical narratives.
Foley's scholarly contributions include the development of the concepts of "orality" and "primary orality," referring to societies in which communication relies primarily on spoken language rather than writing. He emphasized that orality is not a primitive or lesser form of communication, but a sophisticated and dynamic system of cultural expression with its own unique features and abilities.
Foley's work also focused on the Homeric tradition, challenging traditional ideas of authorship and composition by proposing that the Iliad and the Odyssey were products of a collective and fluid process of performance and improvisation in oral poetic communities.
In addition to his theoretical contributions, Foley played a significant role in creating the field of oral tradition studies through the establishment of the Center for Studies in Oral Tradition at the University of Missouri. He mentored numerous scholars in this emerging interdisciplinary field and inspired further research and exploration of oral traditions worldwide.
Overall, John Miles Foley was a pioneering scholar whose work illuminated the significance of oral tradition in human history, literature, and culture, reshaping the understanding of literary communication and influencing a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, folkloristics, and literary studies.
