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Legends of Japan
By Hiroshi Naito, Masahiko Nishino. 1972
These twenty-two tales open to Western readers the world of fantasy in the legendary literature of Japan--a world of ogres,…
monkeys, goblins, and priest, of spelling-casting and rescuing people. Rich in variety, Legends of Japan includes tales of the supernatural, magic, and deities, as well as tales of romance and intrigue. The vividness and esthetic appeal of these stories is enhanced by twenty-two woodblock prints from the studio of modern Japanese illustrator Masahiko Nishin.The tales are drawn from two Japanese masterpieces of the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1192-1333) periods. The earlier and main source is 31-volume Konjaku Monogatari, a collection of tales of Japanese, Chinese and Indian origin. The other source is the miscellany Tsurezure Gusa, by Kento Yoshida, a monk of noble birth who was well versed in Japanese and Chinese literature. A reader's delight, these little books distills the color and charm, the wisdom and humor of two great treasuries of classical Asian literature.The Three Kingdoms, Volume 3: Welcome the Tiger
By Luo Guanzhong, Yu Sumei, Ronald C. Iverson. 2014
This exciting new translation with footnotes will appeal to modern readers who find the twists and turns of Game of…
Thrones so compelling.The Three Kingdoms is an epic Chinese novel written over six centuries ago. It recounts in vivid historical detail the turbulent years at the close of the Han Dynasty, when China broke into three competing kingdoms and over half the population were either killed or driven from their homes. Part myth, part fact, readers will experience the loyalty and treachery, the brotherhood and rivalry of China's legendary heroes and villains during the most tumultuous period in Chinese history.Considered the greatest work in classic Chinese literature, The Three Kingdoms is read by millions throughout Asia today. Seen not just as a great work of art, many Chinese view it as a guide to success in life and business as well as a work that offers great moral clarity-while many foreigners read it to gain insights into Chinese society and culture.This third volume concludes the tale of Liu Bei and his sworn brothers-in-arms, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, whose loyalty and fidelity are sorely tested in a society at war for its very survival.Pele and Hiiaka
By Nathaniel B. Emerson. 1909
Hawaiian tradition, through song-chants and the dance of hula, intimately relates the legendary sisters Pele and Hiiaka to Hawaii's volcanic…
landscape and other phenomena of nature. This book's mythological epic, perhaps more than any other, brings primal elements together, and its lyric power and drama are unsurpassed in traditional Hawaiian lore. Here are captured the poetry of Hawaiian places, the feel of the Hawaiian landscape-whose volcanic features are the handiwork of Pele herself-and the unique mood of old Hawaii.The Monkey King's Amazing Adventure
By Daniel Kane, Wu Cheng'En, Timothy Richard. 2008
China's most popular traditional novel, The Monkey King's Amazing Adventures is the story of the Monkey King, his incredible origin…
and downfall, and his epic quest to redeem himself with his trusted companions, as they face fantastic foes, demons, and monsters and have amazing adventures in their travels to the Western paradise.No matter what obstacle was put before him, the clever, wily Monkey King always got what he wanted-unimaginable strength, eternal life, even his own position in the Celestial Realm with the gods. But more than anything else, the Monkey King loved mischief and rule-breaking, and he was sure that he was the most powerful creature in the world.But after defeat and punishment, the Monkey King found himself wanting some things he never expected: to be good enough and have the discipline to help the monk Xuanzang on his mission to bring Buddhist Scriptures-and enlightenment-to China.Readers will thrill to Timothy Richard's retelling of the Monkey King's exploits-whether in the Dragon King's underwater castle, the Halls of the Dead, or the palace of Buddha himself-and find themselves captivated as he joins Xuanzang and his other companions, the Dragon Horse, the Monk Sand, and the mischievous Pig on the dangerous trek West.Vietnamese Legends
By George F. Schultz. 1965
This collection of Vietnamese mythology will be of great interest to cultural scholars as well as people of Vietnamese descent.The…
history of every country is reflected in its myths and legends and this absorbing collection of thirty-two stories vary from the sweep and grandeur of past battles, to the wit of parables.While a number of Chinese fables have absorbed into the folk-lore of Vietnam, The story of Tam and Cam' is the Vietnamese version of a Chinese Cinderella story. Most of these tales are indigenous to the Vietnamese. But whether imported or Vietnam originals, all of these stories contain an Oriental charm and logic that will intrigue the modern reader. These range from lengthy legend 'Trach Sanh,' to 'Statesman Ly,' a remarkable comment from the past, illustrating the situation today.Many of these stories reflect the fierce respect Vietnamese hold for honor. Filial and conjugal love, devotion to one's friends, are constant themes characteristic of the Vietnamese people. Particularly noteworthy is the author's success in retaining this atmosphere in translation. These stories vividly portray a Vietnamese way of thinking that make a book of rare appeal to the western reader.Seven Deadly Sins
By Rebecca Bond, K. D. Grace, Lexie Bay, Victoria Blisse, Lily Harlem. 2012
Seven Deadly Sins provides a unique twist on a very popular theme. A collection of tales based on the seven…
vices, written by seven sinful sirens and illustrated versions salaciously illustrated by John LaChatte.Pele and Hiiaka
By Nathaniel B. Emerson. 1909
Hawaiian tradition, through song-chants and the dance of hula, intimately relates the legendary sisters Pele and Hiiaka to Hawaii's volcanic…
landscape and other phenomena of nature. This book's mythological epic, perhaps more than any other, brings primal elements together, and its lyric power and drama are unsurpassed in traditional Hawaiian lore. Here are captured the poetry of Hawaiian places, the feel of the Hawaiian landscape-whose volcanic features are the handiwork of Pele herself-and the unique mood of old Hawaii.The Chinese Storyteller's Book
By Michael David Kwan. 2002
Born in Beijing, award-winning author Michael David Kwan (recipient of the Kirayama Pacific Rim Book Prize) has a strong affinity…
for his country and its culture. His latest work, The Chinese Storyteller's Book is an authentic collection of nine mythical stories based on ancient Chinese folk tales. First exposed to these tales during his childhood in China, Kwan heard them told by story tellers on street corners. Like most oral traditions, the tales were colored by the personality, imagination, and experience of the teller, with each story being slightly modified from teller to teller. Now, magically retold by Kwan and imbued with his own personality, imagination, and experience, these tales explore a variety of subjects and life lessons through a cast of fantastic and supernatural characters. They include: The Fox Faery's Wedding, To Be the Best, The Foxes, The Pear Tree, Whiskers and Bright Eyes, The Fisher's Tale, The Night Singer, M'Lady, and The Butterfly. Imaginatively drawn illustrations and an insightful introduction by Kwan make The Chinese Storyteller's Book a magical experience for readers of all ages.The Three Kingdoms, Volume 1: The Sacred Oath
By Luo Guanzhong, Yu Sumei, Ronald C. Iverson. 2014
This exciting new translation with footnotes will appeal to modern readers who find the twists and turns of Game of…
Thrones so compelling.The Three Kingdoms is an epic Chinese novel written over six centuries ago. It recounts in vivid historical detail the turbulent years at the close of the Han Dynasty, when China broke into three competing kingdoms and over half the population were either killed or driven from their homes. Part myth, part fact, readers will experience the loyalty and treachery, the brotherhood and rivalry of China's legendary heroes and villains during the most tumultuous period in Chinese history.Considered the greatest work in classic Chinese literature, The Three Kingdoms is read by millions throughout Asia today. Seen not just as a great work of art, many Chinese view it as a guide to success in life and business as well as a work that offers great moral clarity-while many foreigners read it to gain insights into Chinese society and culture. From the saga of The Three Kingdoms, readers will learn how great warriors motivate their troops and enhance their influence, while disguising their weaknesses and turning the strengths of others against them.This first volume in a trilogy introduces LiuPele and Hiiaka
By Nathaniel B. Emerson. 1909
Hawaiian tradition, through song-chants and the dance of hula, intimately relates the legendary sisters Pele and Hiiaka to Hawaii's volcanic…
landscape and other phenomena of nature. This book's mythological epic, perhaps more than any other, brings primal elements together, and its lyric power and drama are unsurpassed in traditional Hawaiian lore. Here are captured the poetry of Hawaiian places, the feel of the Hawaiian landscape-whose volcanic features are the handiwork of Pele herself-and the unique mood of old Hawaii.The Dream of the Red Chamber
By H. Bencraft Joly, John Minford, Cao Xueqin. 1857
"Henry Bencraft Joly's attention to detail and the faithfulness in his translation of Hong Lou Meng makes this revised edition…
of The Dream of the Red Chamber an excellent book for the student of modern Chinese."--Edwin H. Lowe, from his introductionThe Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the "Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature." It is renowned for its huge scope, large cast of characters and telling observations on the life and social structures of 18th century China and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the classical Chinese novel.The "Red Chamber" is an expression used for the sheltered area where the daughters of wealthy Chinese families lived. Believed to be based on the author's own life and intended as a memorial to the women that he knew in his youth, The Dream of the Red Chamber is a multilayered story that offers up key insights into Chinese culture."...this partial version certainly deserves a wider readership, as a brave early skirmish on the outer ramparts of this masterpiece. The re-issuing of Joly's work will undoubtedly provide a rich crop of fascinating raw material for the growing community of Translation Studies scholars."--John Minford, from his forewordJapanese Tales (The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)
By Royall Tyler. 1987
Here are two hundred and twenty dazzling tales from medieval Japan, tales that welcome us into a fabulous, faraway world…
populated by saints and scoundrels, ghosts and magical healers, and a vast assortment of deities and demons. Stories of miracles, visions of hell, jokes, fables, and legends, these tales reflect the Japanese worldview during a classic period in Japanese civilization. Masterfully edited and translated by the acclaimed translator of The Tale of Genji, these stories ably balance the lyrical and the dramatic, the ribald and the profound, offering a window into a long-vanished though perennially fascinating culture.Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore LibraryFrom the Trade Paperback edition.African Folk Tales (Dover Thrift Editions)
By Yoti Lane, Blair Hughes-Stanton. 2015
A delight for readers and listeners of all ages, these 25 traditional tales from West Africa were originally accompanied by…
music and dance. The stories' drama and folk wisdom shine through in these captivating retellings, which are illustrated by evocative woodcut illustrations. Age-old fables explain why the leopard has no friends, how wild dogs became domesticated, and why pigs dig. Adventure stories recount a prince's quest for an ancient ivory horn and the struggles of two sisters, separated by slavery, to reunite. All of the stories are populated by memorable characters such as a greedy monkey and ambitious ants, a pair of crickets forced to sing for their supper, a couple of fishermen who compete for a bride, and the Man-in-the-Moon and his wife.Fairy Tale Review: The Red Issue #6
By Kate Bernheimer. 2015
Like all fairy tales, the story of Little Red gets strength from its multitudes. It is a moving hive, a…
travelling pack of translations and interpretations too numerous to catalogue. It manages to examine our most salient tropes in binaries, and the equators formed in this contrast are tangential contradictions: The tale is at once innocent and sexual. It mingles the vulnerable with the predatory, and overlaps captivity with freedom. It is both fable and fairy tale, and a horror story to boot: a naïve individual walking into a den of trickery. Then comes that eerie, parsed-out realization when our girl comes to terms with what the readers have known all along: things are not as they seem. What a fright, when something categorized as safe becomes compromised and inverted, when the familiar is replaced with the unknown. In this issue, we add new footprints to the path through the woods. Some of these pieces retell the tale; others explore its place in our minds and our culture.Korean Folk Tales: Imps, Ghosts, and Fairies
By James S. Gale, Im Bang, Yi Ryuk. 1962
This classic collection of Korean folk and fairy tales is of cultural enormous importance for Koreans and Westerners alike.First published…
in 1913 but regrettably long out of print, this fascinating little volume is now made available once again for the enjoyment of all who love an ancient tale, particularly if the setting is an exotic one. Of the legends collected here, Mr. Gale has this to say in his preface: "To anyone who would like to look somewhat into the inner soul of the Oriental, and see the peculiar spiritual existences among which he lives, the... stories will serve as true interpreters, born as they are of the three great religions of the Far East, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism."The stories of classical Korean storyteller Im Bang, in particular, offer to the Western world "that they may serve as introductory essays to the mysteries and, what many call, absurdities of Asia. Very gruesome indeed, and unlovely, some of them are, but they picture faithfully the conditions under which Im Bang himself, and many past generations of Koreans, have lived."The Chinese Storyteller's Book
By Michael David Kwan. 2002
Born in Beijing, award-winning author Michael David Kwan (recipient of the Kirayama Pacific Rim Book Prize) has a strong affinity…
for his country and its culture. His latest work, The Chinese Storyteller's Book is an authentic collection of nine mythical stories based on ancient Chinese folk tales. First exposed to these tales during his childhood in China, Kwan heard them told by story tellers on street corners. Like most oral traditions, the tales were colored by the personality, imagination, and experience of the teller, with each story being slightly modified from teller to teller. Now, magically retold by Kwan and imbued with his own personality, imagination, and experience, these tales explore a variety of subjects and life lessons through a cast of fantastic and supernatural characters. They include: The Fox Faery's Wedding, To Be the Best, The Foxes, The Pear Tree, Whiskers and Bright Eyes, The Fisher's Tale, The Night Singer, M'Lady, and The Butterfly. Imaginatively drawn illustrations and an insightful introduction by Kwan make The Chinese Storyteller's Book a magical experience for readers of all ages.Selected Folktales/Ausgewählte Märchen: A Dual-Language Book
By Stanley Appelbaum, Wilhelm Grimm, Jacob Grimm. 2003
The 27 world-famous tales in this collection have inspired countless adaptations in many languages. Included are such favorites as "Hänsel…
and Gretel," "The Brave Little Tailor," "Cinderella," and "Little Red Riding Hood," as well as the less familiar tales such as "The Danced-Out Shoes," "The Golden Bird," and "The Six Swans."My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales
By Gregory Maguire, Kate Bernheimer. 2010
The fairy tale lives again in this book of forty new stories by some of the biggest names in contemporary…
fiction. Neil Gaiman, "Orange" Aimee Bender, "The Color Master" Joyce Carol Oates, "Blue-bearded Lover" Michael Cunningham, "The Wild Swans" These and more than thirty other stories by Francine Prose, Kelly Link, Jim Shepard, Lydia Millet, and many other extraordinary writers make up this thrilling celebration of fairy tales--the ultimate literary costume party. Spinning houses and talking birds. Whispered secrets and borrowed hope. Here are new stories sewn from old skins, gathered by visionary editor Kate Bernheimer and inspired by everything from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" and "The Little Match Girl" to Charles Perrault's "Bluebeard" and "Cinderella" to the Brothers Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel" and "Rumpelstiltskin" to fairy tales by Goethe and Calvino and from China, Japan, Vietnam, Russia, Norway, and Mexico. Fairy tales are our oldest literary tradition, and yet they chart the imaginative frontiers of the twenty-first century as powerfully as they evoke our earliest encounters with literature. This exhilarating collection restores their place in the literary canon.My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales
By Gregory Maguire, Kate Bernheimer. 2010
The fairy tale lives again in this book of forty new stories by some of the biggest names in contemporary…
fiction. Neil Gaiman, "Orange" Aimee Bender, "The Color Master" Joyce Carol Oates, "Blue-bearded Lover" Michael Cunningham, "The Wild Swans" These and more than thirty other stories by Francine Prose, Kelly Link, Jim Shepard, Lydia Millet, and many other extraordinary writers make up this thrilling celebration of fairy tales--the ultimate literary costume party. Spinning houses and talking birds. Whispered secrets and borrowed hope. Here are new stories sewn from old skins, gathered by visionary editor Kate Bernheimer and inspired by everything from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" and "The Little Match Girl" to Charles Perrault's "Bluebeard" and "Cinderella" to the Brothers Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel" and "Rumpelstiltskin" to fairy tales by Goethe and Calvino and from China, Japan, Vietnam, Russia, Norway, and Mexico. Fairy tales are our oldest literary tradition, and yet they chart the imaginative frontiers of the twenty-first century as powerfully as they evoke our earliest encounters with literature. This exhilarating collection restores their place in the literary canon.Never After
By Sharon Shinn, Laurell K. Hamilton, Marjorie M. Liu, Yasmine Galenorn. 2009
The bonds of love... The bonds of matrimony... The bonds between husband and wife... Let's face it-some bonds are made…
to be broken. Here, for the first time ever, are four stories from today's most provocative authors that take the classic idea of the "faerie tale wedding" and give it a swift kick in the bustle.