Maori Tales of Long Ago is a fresh facsimile edition of a classic collection of sixteen stories adapted from Maori mythology for a young readership. The tales were originally published by A.W. & A.H. Reed during the late 1940s in two hardback volumes, Maori Tales of Long Ago and Wonder Tales of Maoriland. Best-sellers of their time, they gave a generation of New Zealand children a lyrical introduction to the world of Maori mythology. In each story, a myth is narrated and brought to life by genial old Popo, the village storyteller and friend of the chief's son and daughter, Rata and Hine. Now in a new paperback edition, this book faithfully keeps the charming original line drawings by A.S. Paterson, including eight illustrated colour plates. It contains a foreword from David Simmons, a distinguished ethnologist, former assistant director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and author of several books on Maoritanga.

Maori myths and legends have an important role in transmitting and regenerating traditional knowledge. Yet as Ross Calman points out in his introduction to this new edition, they are also simply great yarns -- reflective of a time when telling and listening to stories was a key leisure activity in Maori society. Favourite Maori Legends is an invitation to enjoy over 30 of the most memorable legends, grouped into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, heroes and deeds of daring. Concise yet complete, these gripping stories are enlivened by the timeless illustrations of Roger Hart.

An enthralling collection of traditional tales that date back to the beginning of time. Learn how Yhi the sun goddess introduced life to the world, why the emu cannot fly and how the kangaroo got its tail. Packed with myths and legends about creation, these stories retell how people and animals were made.

A collection of legends representing the rich tapestry of beliefs of Aboriginal people throughout Australia. Tales range from creation stories to legends of animals, birds, rivers, lakes and shores, as well as hero stories. A dictionary of Aboriginal words is included.

A collection of 20 stories of fable and folklore that have been told by Aboriginal tribes all over Australia for thousands of years. There are stories such as Why Emus Cannot Fly and The Frog Who Caused a Flood.

A collection of stories exploring dreamtime myths through ancient images, such as the Rainbow Snake, the discovery of fire, and the first man and woman. Divided into three sections, The Great Father, Totemic Ancestors and Creation Myths, it seeks to provide an insight into Aboriginal culture.