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Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Customs & folklore > Folklore
After enjoying years as a popular journalist and poet, intellectual
and freethinker Gerald Massey turned his vast studies in the field
of Egyptology into A Book of the Beginnings, a bold statement that
the origin of all civilization lays in ancient Egypt. His
assertions, radical at the time-indeed, almost a century before the
discovery of three-million-year-old human remains in
Africa-resonate loudly today, when molecular biology is making
corresponding discoveries alongside the still-raging
creation-versus-evolution controversy. In Volume II, Massey
intelligently argues an Egyptian origin for Biblical symbology,
lexicography, and mythology. Here, he not only asks if the oldest
Jewish and Christian axioms were really born on the banks of the
Nile, he offers a stalwart and profound "Yes " British author
GERALD MASSEY (1828-1907) published works of poetry, spiritualism,
Shakespearean criticism, and theology, but his best-known works are
in the realm of Egyptology, including The Natural Genesis and
Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World.
After enjoying years as a popular journalist and poet, intellectual
and freethinker Gerald Massey turned his vast studies in the field
of Egyptology into A Book of the Beginnings, a bold statement that
the origin of all civilization lays in ancient Egypt. His
assertions, radical at the time-indeed, almost a century before the
discovery of three-million-year-old human remains in
Africa-resonate loudly today, when molecular biology is making
corresponding discoveries alongside the still-raging
creation-versus-evolution controversy. In Volume I, Massey lays the
foundation of the Egypt-centric position through a scholarly
comparative analysis of language, names, and mythology-delving not
only into our most basic actions of naming and communicating, but
also man's beloved, universal myths of death, awakenings, and love.
British author GERALD MASSEY (1828-1907) published works of poetry,
spiritualism, Shakespearean criticism, and theology, but his
best-known works are in the realm of Egyptology, including The
Natural Genesis and Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World.
Drawing upon the traditions of their native lands, Asian
Americans have developed an extensive cultural tradition. At the
heart of that tradition are some of the world's most colorful
folktales. These reflect the traditional beliefs of the East, as
they have been passed down among generations of Asian Americans.
But they also reflect the struggles, successes, and experiences of
Asian immigrants in the New World. Written expressly for students
and general readers, this book is a fascinating introduction to
Asian American folktales.This book gathers together a selection of
more than 30 Asian American folktales and groups them in thematic
sections on origins; heroes, heroines, villains, and fools; society
and conflict; and the supernatural. These tales reflect the
traditional beliefs of the East as well as the new experiences of
Asians in America.
Each tale is accompanied by a headnote, and the book closes
with a selected, general bibliography. Students studying literature
and language will learn much about these tales, while students in
social studies and history courses will gain greater insight into
the experiences and traditional beliefs of Asian Americans. The
volume includes a healthy sampling of tales grouped in topical
sections on origins; heroes, heroines, villains, and fools; society
and conflict; and the supernatural.
Exploring a prominent digital mythology, this book proposes a new
way of viewing both online narratives and the online communities
which tell them. The Slender Man - a monster known for making
children disappear and causing violent deaths to the adults who
seek to know more about him - is used as an extended case study to
explore the role of digital communities, as well as the question of
the existence of a broader "digital culture". Structural
anthropological mythic analysis and ethnographic details
demonstrate how the Slender Man mythology is structured, and how
its everlasting nature in the online communities demonstrates an
importance of the mythos.
AN EPIC BATTLE THAT LASTED TEN YEARS. A LEGENDARY STORY THAT HAS
SURVIVED THOUSANDS. 'An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy .
. . Fry's narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes
life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales' OBSERVER
'Stephen Fry has done it again. Well written and super
storytelling' 5***** READER REVIEW ________ 'Troy. The most
marvellous kingdom in all the world. The Jewel of the Aegean.
Glittering Ilion, the city that rose and fell not once but twice .
. .' When Helen, the beautiful Greek queen, is kidnapped by the
Trojan prince Paris, the most legendary war of all time begins.
Watch in awe as a thousand ships are launched against the great
city of Troy. Feel the fury of the battleground as the Trojans
stand resolutely against Greek might for an entire decade. And
witness the epic climax - the wooden horse, delivered to the city
of Troy in a masterclass of deception by the Greeks . . . In
Stephen Fry's exceptional retelling of our greatest story, TROY
will transport you to the depths of ancient Greece and beyond.
________ 'A fun romp through the world's greatest story. Fry's
knowledge of the world - ancient and modern - bursts through' Daily
Telegraph 'An excellent retelling . . . told with compassion and
wit' 5***** Reader Review 'Hugely successful, graceful' The Times
'If you want to read about TROY, this book is a must over any
other' 5***** Reader Review 'Fluent, crisp, nuanced, begins with a
bang' The Times Literary Supplement 'The characters . . . are
brilliantly brought to life' 5***** Reader Review PRAISE FOR
STEPHEN FRY'S GREEK SERIES: 'A romp through the lives of ancient
Greek gods. Fry is at his story-telling best . . . the gods will be
pleased' Times 'A head-spinning marathon of legends' Guardian 'An
Olympian feat. The gods seem to be smiling on Fry - his myths are
definitely a hit' Evening Standard 'An odyssey through Greek
mythology. Brilliant . . . all hail Stephen Fry' Daily Mail 'A
rollicking good read' Independent
A beautiful new collection of 36 French fairy tales translated into
English by renowned writer and authority on fairy tales, Jack
Zipes. Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleepy Beauty, Puss In
Boots, Bluebeard, and Little Red Riding Hood are some of the
classic fairy tales in this amazing book. There are many stories
here by Charles Perrault, the most famous author of French conte de
fees. Features a new introduction by editor Jack Zipes. Includes a
generous number of exquisite illustrations from fairy tale
collections."
African American culture has a rich tradition of folktales.
Written for students and general readers, this volume gathers a
sampling of the most important African American folktales. Included
are nearly 50 tales grouped in thematic chapters on origins;
heroes, heroines, villains, and fools; society and conflict; and
the supernatural. Each tale begins with an introductory headnote,
and the book closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students
learning about literature and language will gain a greater
understanding of African American oral traditions, while social
studies students will learn more about African American
culture.
African American culture has long been recognized for its
richness and breadth. Central to that tradition is a large body of
folklore, which continues to figure prominently in literature,
film, and popular culture. Written for students and general
readers, this book conveniently gathers and comments on nearly 50
African American folktales. Included are fictional tales, legends,
myths, and personal experience narratives. These exemplify the vast
diversity of African American culture and language.
The tales are grouped in thematic sections on origins; heroes,
heroines, villains, and fools; society and conflict; and the
supernatural. Each tale is introduced by a brief headnote, and the
volume closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students
learning about literature and language will gain a greater
understanding of African American oral traditions, while students
of history will learn more about African American culture.
Here are the stories of the Blackfoot tribe, a proud and fiercely
independent people. These stories distill the wisdom of an ancient
and wise race. "The most shameful chapter of American history is
that in which is recorded the account of our dealings with the
Indians. The story of our government's intercourse with this race
is an unbroken narrative of injustice, fraud, and robbery. Our
people have disregarded honesty and truth whenever they have come
in contact with the Indian."
A wonderful collection of 11 of Hans Christian Andersen's most
well-loved fairy tales illustrated by the charming colour plates
and black and white line drawings of Anne Anderson. Stories
Include: The Drop of Water; The Tinder Box; The Ugly Duckling; The
Little Match-Girl; The Garden of Paradise; Little Tuk; The Little
Mermaid; The Nightingale; The Marsh King's Daughter; Mother Elder;
and The Daisy. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly
those dating back to the 1850s and before, are now extremely scarce
and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish
these classic works in affordable, high quality, colour editions,
using the original text and artwork so these works can delight
another generation of children. About the Author: Hans Christian
Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish poet and author celebrated for
his children's stories but perhaps best known for his immortal
Fairy Tales meant for both adults and children and frequently
written in a colloquial style to veil their sophisticated moral
teachings. He broke new ground in terms of style and content by
using idioms and constructions of spoken language in a way that had
previously not been seen in Danish literature. His poetry and
stories have been translated into over 150 languages, inspiring a
wealth of films, plays and ballets. About the Illustrator: Anne
Anderson (1874-c.1940) was a Scottish illustrator chiefly noted for
her Art Nouveau children's book illustrations that display fluidity
typical of the movement. Characteristic of her work are decorative
and lightly drawn or painted illustrations of neatly dressed
children, neatly dressed with pear-shaped faces. Anderson's work
has been compared to that of Jessie M. King, a contemporary.
Gathered here are gems galore, which, while revealing much as to
the Chinese national psyche, highlight particular traits and
characteristics that span the globe. We all know Chairman Mau's
infamous 'It doesn't matter what colour the cat, as long as it
catches mice', but most of us would only recognize an approximate
English equivalent of 'A mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake'
or, 'A Phoenix might come out of a crow's nest'. The beasts and
birds of legend and folklore provide the inimitable Kathryn Lamb's
pen with a feast of hilarious subjects, not least a certain
revolution at one ill-fated dinner party...
A TIMES BESTSELLER, January 2022 A TIMES HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF
THE YEAR SHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR A BBC HISTORY
MAG BOOK OF THE YEAR A DAILY EXPRESS BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Expressive,
bold and quite beautiful' The Lady '[a] delight of a book' Antonia
Senior, The Times 'ravishingly lovely' The Times Ireland '[a]
lively retelling of British myths' Apollo Magazine Soaked in mist
and old magic, Storyland is a new illustrated mythology of Britain,
set in its wildest landscapes. It begins between the Creation and
Noah's Flood, follows the footsteps of the earliest generation of
giants from an age when the children of Cain and the progeny of
fallen angels walked the earth, to the founding of Britain,
England, Wales and Scotland, the birth of Christ, the wars between
Britons, Saxons and Vikings, and closes with the arrival of the
Normans. These are retellings of medieval tales of legend,
landscape and the yearning to belong, inhabited with characters now
half-remembered: Brutus, Albina, Scota, Arthur and Bladud among
them. Told with narrative flair, embellished in stunning artworks
and glossed with a rich and erudite commentary. We visit beautiful,
sacred places that include prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge
and Wayland's Smithy, spanning the length of Britain from the
archipelago of Orkney to as far south as Cornwall; mountains and
lakes such as Snowdon and Loch Etive and rivers including the Ness,
the Soar and the story-silted Thames in a vivid, beautiful tale of
our land steeped in myth. It Illuminates a collective memory that
still informs the identity and political ambition of these places.
In Storyland, Jeffs reimagines these myths of homeland, exile and
migration, kinship, loyalty, betrayal, love and loss in a landscape
brimming with wonder.
'When an afflicted person is believed to be a victim of nazar, or
the glance of the evil eye, a particular kind of incense, which is
made of seeds of the wild rue, mixed with myrtle and frankincense,
is burned at sunset; and while the smoke is curling about the head
of the victim the following incantation is repeated...' The Wild
Rue is a unique study of magic, myth and folklore in Iran. In this
classic work, Bess Donaldson records the beliefs and superstitions
of the country at a time when they were increasingly threatened by
the Shah's programme of modernisation. This earlier way of life,
with its belief in angels and the evil eye, and with its age-old
rituals surrounding childbirth and burial, is recounted in a highly
readable text. Among the wide variety of topics covered are
cosmology, dreams, names and numbers, talismans and signs, oaths
and curses, childbirth, angels, trees and plants, the evil eye, and
the calendar. Long unavailable, The Wild Rue is indispensable to
any serious student of Iran and will be welcomed by all with an
interest in the country's culture and history.
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