Storytelling is an essential element of human nature. This study identifies five universal "streams of narrative" - that is, five "hyper-genres" that serve as a system for classifying virtually all kinds of narration. In conjunction with concepts drawn from biology, psychology, and sociology, the study develops a solid anthropological foundation for these five streams of narrative. The author uses examples from diverse cultures, eras, and media to demonstrate the occurrence of overlapping and blending between the streams.

Michael Neumann, Katholische Universität Eichstätt.