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Showing 101 - 120 of 141 items
By Andrew Orchard. 1997
From Loki to Thor, Ragnarok to BeowulfA gripping and truly mesmerising delve into the Norse legendsFrom bestselling books to blockbusting…
Hollywood movies, the myths of the Scandinavian gods and heroes are part of the modern day landscape.For over a millennium before the arrival of Christianity, the legends permeated everyday life in Iceland and the northern reaches of Europe. Since that time, they have been perpetuated in literature and the arts in forms as diverse as Tolkien and Wagner, graphic novels to the world of Marvel. This book covers the entire cast of supernatural beings, from gods to trolls, heroes to monsters, and deals with the social and historical background to the myths, topics such as burial rites, sacrificial practices and runes.By Sean Michael Wilson. 2015
Over one hundred years ago, the writer and Japanophile Lafcadio Hearn gathered together a selection of kaidan, traditional Japanese ghost,…
myth, and mystery stories, and published them in English in over a dozen books. The kaidan feature vengeful ghosts and bewitching spirits that mete out karmic justice in eerie and sometimes horrifying ways. Some of the tales were Japanese versions of older Chinese tales of divination; others were influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, including a Buddhist-influenced mystery storytelling game popular in the Edo era (1603–1868). In contemporary culture, these stories have found new expression mostly in movies and manga. In this graphic novel, acclaimed manga creator Sean Michael Wilson and illustrator Michiru Morikawa present six of these classic, supernatural stories.By Prof. Nancy L. Canepa. 2023
This comprehensive collection of Italian tales in English encourages a revisitation of the fairy-tale canon in light of some of…
the most fascinating material that has often been excluded from it. In the United States, we tend to associate fairy tales with children and are most familiar with the tales of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, and Disney. But the first literary fairy tales appeared in Renaissance Italy, and long before the Grimms there was already a rich and sophisticated tradition that included hundreds of tales, including many of those today considered "classic." The authors featured in this volume have, over the centuries, explored and interrogated the intersections between elite and popular cultures and oral and literary narratives, just as they have investigated the ways in which fairy tales have been and continue to be rewritten as expressions of both collective identities and individual sensibilities. The fairy tale in its Italian incarnations provides a striking example of how this genre is a potent vehicle for expressing cultural aspirations and anxieties as well as for imagining different ways of narrating shared futures.By Sarah Iles Johnston. 2023
An entrancing new telling of ancient Greek myths“This book is a triumph! . . . [A] magnificent retelling of the…
Greek myths.”—Alexander McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series“Move over, Edith Hamilton! Sarah Iles Johnston has hit the magical refresh button on Greek myths.”—Maria Tatar, author of The Heroine with 1001 FacesGripping tales that abound with fantastic characters and astonishing twists and turns, Greek myths confront what it means to be mortal in a world of powerful forces beyond human control. Little wonder that they continue to fascinate readers thousands of years after they were first told. Gods and Mortals is a major new telling of ancient Greek myths by one of the world’s preeminent experts. In a fresh, vibrant, and compelling style that draws readers into the lives of the characters, Sarah Iles Johnston offers new narrations of all the best-known tales as well as others that are seldom told, taking readers on an enthralling journey from the origin of the cosmos to the aftermath of the Trojan War.Some of the mortals in these stories are cursed by the gods, while luckier ones are blessed with resourcefulness and resilience. Gods transform themselves into animals, humans, and shimmering gold to visit the earth in disguise—where they sometimes transform offending mortals into new forms, too: a wolf, a spider, a craggy rock. Other mortals—both women and men—use their wits and strength to conquer the monsters created by the gods—gorgons, dragons, harpies, fire-breathing bulls.Featuring captivating original illustrations by Tristan Johnston, Gods and Mortals highlights the rich connections between the different characters and stories, draws attention to the often-overlooked perspectives of female characters, and stays true both to the tales and to the world in which ancient people lived. The result is an engaging and entertaining new take on the Greek myths.By Joseph Jacobs, John D. Batten. 2014
Originally published in 1892, this beautifully written collection of Celtic fairy tales is bound to enrapture. Filled to the brim…
with, as Joseph Jacob says, "both the best, and the best known folk-tales of the Celts," this is the first of his two collections of Celtic folklore.Included in this charming collection are tales of romance, tales that will make you laugh, and tales with sadness intertwined. The twenty-six story medley includes:"Guleesh""Conal Yellowclaw""The Shepherd of Myddvai""The Story of Deirdre""The Wooing of Olwen""The Sea-Maiden""Jack and his Master""Beth Gellert""The Battle of the Birds""The Lad with the Goat-Skin"And many more!The magic of these stories is brought to life with fantastical sketches by John D. Batten that are interspersed throughout the pages, including eight full-page illustrations. The wonder, witchcraft, and magic found in Celtic tales are sure to enrapture all readers, young and old alike.By Yiling Changues. 2023
Explore the enchanting world of Polynesian folklore in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional stories.A woman falls in love with…
the king of the sharks. Two powerful sorcerers compete in a battle of magical wits. The king of Maui's fastest messenger races to bring a young woman back from the dead. In these traditional tales, the borders blur between life and death, reality and magic, and land and sea.This volume includes legends from Hawai'i, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa, showcasing the rich narrative tradition of the Polynesian islands. You'll encounter awe-inspiring warriors, tricky magicians, and fearsome creatures of the deep. Each tale is paired with evocative contemporary art, creating a special illustrated edition to read, share, and treasure across generations. POPULAR SERIES: The Tales series gives new life to traditional stories. Celebrating the richness of folklore around the world, and featuring the work of beloved contemporary illustrators, these books are treasured by adults and teens alike.TALES THAT TRANSPORT YOU: These folktales are deeply rooted in the landscape of the Polynesian islands. Dramatic mountain peaks, secluded valleys, and mesmerizing ocean vistas offer striking settings for timeless stories of magic.GORGEOUS SPECIAL EDITION: With a mesmerizing full-page illustration for each story, as well as creamy paper, a ribbon page marker, and a handsome hardcover design, this edition is perfect for gifting and display.Perfect for:Adult, young adult, and teen fans of fairy tales, folklore, myths, legends, and historyReaders with Polynesian heritage or interested in Polynesian cultureIllustration and art loversCollectors of illustrated classics and such popular mythology books as D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths or Bulfinch's MythologyFans of MoanaFans of the illustrator Yiling ChanguesBy Christine A. Jones, Lina Kusaite, Jennifer Schacker. 2015
A wide variety of creatures walk, fly, leap, slither, and swim through fairy-tale history. Some marvelous animal characters are deeply…
inscribed in current popular culture--the beast redeemed by beauty, the wolf in pursuit of little girls and little pigs, the frog prince released from enchantment by a young princess. But like the adventures of many fairy-tale heroes, a curious reader's exploration in the genre can yield surprises, challenges, and unexpected rewards. Feathers, Paws, Fins, and Claws: Fairy-Tale Beasts presents lesser-known tales featuring animals both wild and gentle who appear in imaginative landscapes and enjoy a host of surprising talents. With striking original illustrations by artist Lina Kusaite and helpful introductions by fairy-tale scholars Jennifer Schacker and Christine A. Jones, the offbeat, haunting stories in this collection are rich and surprisingly relevant, demanding creative reading by audiences aged young adult and up. Schacker and Jones choose stories that represent several centuries and cultural perspectives on how animals think and move. In these ten stories, rats are just as seductive as Little Red Riding Hood's wolf; snakes find human mates; and dancing sheep and well-mannered bears blur the line between human and beast. Stories range in form from literary ballads to tales long enough to be considered short stories, and all are presented as closely as possible to their original print versions, reflecting the use of historical spelling and punctuation. Beasts move between typical animal behavior (a bird seeking to spread its wings and fly or a clever cat artfully catching its prey) and acts that seem much more human than beastly (three fastidious bears keeping a tidy home together or a snake inviting itself to the dinner table). Kusaite's full-color artwork rounds out this collection, drawing imaginatively on a wide range of visual traditions--from Inuit design to the work of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Together with the short introductions to the tales themselves, the illustrations invite readers to rediscover the fascinating world of animal fairy tales. All readers interested in storytelling, fairy-tale history, and translation will treasure this beautiful collection.By Ed Gorman, Martin Greenberg. 1998
Presenting twenty-four timeless tales—retold with a mysterious twist by today’s best mystery writers Gillian Roberts—After Happily Ever Jon L. Breen—Clever…
Hans Joan Hess—Heptagon Bill Crider—It Happened at Grandmother’s House Simon Clark—Now Fetch Me an Ax Mat Coward—Old Sultan Elizabeth Engstrom—Harvest Home William L. DeAndrea—Prince Charming Jane Haddam—Rapunzel Gary A. Braunbeck—Resurrection Joe Brendan DuBois—Rapunzel’s Revenge Edward D. Hoch—Snow White and the Eleven Dwarfs John Lutz—Swan Song John Helfers—The Better To Eat You With Ed Gorman—Of the Fog Les Roberts—The Brave Little Costume Designer Simon Brett—The Emperor’s New Clothes Peter Crowther—The Musician of Bremen, GA Audrey Peterson—Anniversary Ball Janet Dawson—Invisible Time Kristine Kathryn Rusch—Love and Justice Anne Wingate—“The Twelve Dancing Princesses” Revisited Doug Allyn—Thousandfiirs Sharyn McCrumb—Gerda’s Sense of SnowBy Kate Forrester. 2016
The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales transport us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore. Translated and…
transcribed by folklorists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 16 stories in this compilation conjure forgotten realms and rare magical creatures in vivid prose. These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each one is brought to life with elegant silhouette art by Kate Forrester in this special illustrated edition.By Andrew Lang, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, The Brothers Grimm. 2017
Four timeless anthologies of cherished fables, fairy tales, and bedtime stories from Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, and…
Andrew Lang. The most enchanting stories of childhood are included in this sweeping collection. These are the classic tales—of princes and princesses, monsters and magic, enchanted forests and fantastic creatures—that have thrilled readers around the world for generations. Aesop’s Fables: In ancient Greece, a storyteller named Aesop captivated his listeners with tales both beautiful and instructive. From “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to “The Tortoise and the Hare,” his fables retain the power to guide and entertain. Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Inspired by ancient Danish legends as well as Arabian Nights, Andersen’s classic stories—including “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Snow Queen” (the basis for Frozen)—are composed with a directness that children and adults still find refreshing. The Brothers Grimm: From “Rapunzel” to “Hansel and Gretel” to “Little Red Riding Hood,” the German folktales the Brothers Grimm brought to the world’s attention have become part of the very fabric of our culture. The Blue Fairy Book: Originally published in 1889, this first volume of Andrew Lang’s renowned Fairy Books includes such favorites as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Puss in Boots,” “Aladdin,” and “Jack the Giant-Killer.” To read these stories is to be transported to a realm of imagination. Here, the most important life lessons are imparted through the irresistible magic of storytelling.By Jenn Northington, Sharifah Williams. 2023
An anthology of gender-bent, queered, race-bent, and inclusive retellings from the enchanting and eternally popular world of Greek myth, featuring…
stories by: Marika Bailey • Alyssa Cole • Zoraida Córdova • Maya Deane • Sarah Gailey • Zeyn Joukhadar • Mia P. Manansala • Juliana Spink Mills • Susan Purr • Taylor Rae • Jude Reali • Suleikha Snyder • Valerie Valdes • S. Zainab Williams • Wen Wen Yang Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, and the other denizens of Mount Olympus feel almost as present and larger than life today as they did when they were worshipped as gods. Humanity has been telling and retelling stories about the characters from Greek and Roman myth for centuries—heck, the Romans liked the Hellenic originals so much, they remade them faster than Marvel remakes Spider-Man movies. And from Virgil's Aeneid to Xena: Warrior Princess to Percy Jackson to The Song of Achilles, the obsession has never waned. Yet Fit for the Gods shows how these stories still have a power of metamorphosis that would impress Ovid. Brave, bold, and groundbreaking, the stories in Fit for the Gods will be like ambrosia for those craving fresh interpretations of their favorite myths, and give long-time fans a chance to finally see themselves in these beloved legends.By Jessica Spotswood, Tess Sharpe. 2018
Scorn the witch. Fear the witch. Burn the witch.History is filled with stories of women accused of witchcraft, of fearsome…
girls with arcane knowledge. Toil & Trouble features fifteen stories of girls embracing their power, reclaiming their destinies and using their magic to create, to curse, to cure—and to kill.A young witch uses social media to connect with her astrology clients—and with a NASA-loving girl as cute as she is skeptical. A priestess of death investigates a ritualized murder. A bruja who cures lovesickness might need the remedy herself when she falls in love with an altar boy. A theater production is turned upside down by a visiting churel. In Reconstruction-era Texas, a water witch uses her magic to survive the soldiers who have invaded her desert oasis. And in the near future, a group of girls accused of witchcraft must find their collective power in order to destroy their captors.This collection reveals a universal truth: there’s nothing more powerful than a teenage girl who believes in herself.By Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Teffi, Lev Tolstoy, Mikhail Zoshchenko. 2016
Running the gamut from sweet and reverent to twisted and uproarious, and with many of the stories appearing in English…
for the first time, this is a collection that will satisfy every reader. Dostoevsky brings stories of poverty and tragedy, Tolstoy inspires with his fable-like tales, Chekhov's unmatchable skills are on full display in a story about a female factory owner and the wretched workers, Klavdia Lukashevitch delights with a sweet and surprising tale of a childhood in White Russia, and Mikhail Zoshchenko recounts madcap anecdotes of Christmas trees and Christmas thieves. There is no shortage of vodka or wit on display here, in a collection that proves, with its wonderful variety and remarkable human touch, that Nobody Does Christmas Like the Russians.My Last ChristmasOn this festive day, because of somebody's sin, it is we who must sit here like the wretched of the earth . . ."The passengers looked at the fussy figure of the little old man with displeasure and irritation."Yes," the old man continued, "because of somebody's sins . . . We are used to watching our little children jump in indescribable delight around the Christmas tree . . . Out of human weakness, dear Sirs and Madams, we enjoy gobbling up ham with green peas and sausages one after another, and a slice of goose, and a tipple tipple of the you know what . . .""Tfu!" said the fishmonger, looking at the wee old man with disgust.The passengers slid forward on their chairs . . .By Svabhu Kohli, Viplov Singh. 2018
A shape-shifting tiger and a pretentious rat.A generous goddess and a powerful demon.A clever princess and a prince who returns…
from the dead.This collection of 16 traditional tales transports readers to the beguiling world of Indian folklore. Transcribed by Indian and English folklorists in the nineteenth century, these stories brim with wit and magic. Fans of fairy tales will encounter familiar favorites—epic quests and talking animals—alongside delightful surprises—an irreverent sense of humor and an array of bold, inspiring heroines. Each tale in this ebook comes alive alongside exquisite artwork by a pair of contemporary Indian artists.By Dinara Mirtalipova. 2021
Rediscover the magic of Russian folktales in a breathtaking illustrated edition.This collection of traditional stories will sweep you away to…
the birch forests and ornate palaces of Russia. You'll meet a mysterious girl born from the snow, a terrifying Baba Yaga, and a series of dauntless heroines and heroes willing to fight dragons and cross fiery rivers. Blending whimsical magic with magnificent drama, these tales come to life alongside intricate contemporary art in this special illustrated edition.POPULAR SERIES: The Tales series gives new life to traditional stories. Celebrating the richness of folklore around the world, and featuring the work of beloved contemporary illustrators, these books are treasured by adults and teens alike.ICONIC STORIES: Russian stories hold a special place in the hearts of fairy tales fans. Unforgettable characters like Baba Yaga and the Fire-Bird have captured imaginations for generations. In this collection, readers are sure to find old favorites and discover something new.GORGEOUS SPECIAL EDITION: With a mesmerizing full-page illustration for each story, as well as creamy paper, a ribbon page marker, and a handsome hardcover design, this edition is perfect for gifting and display.Perfect for:• Fans of fairy tales and folklore• Readers with Russian heritage or interested in Russian culture• Illustration and art lovers• Adults and teens• Collectors of illustrated classics• Fans of the illustrator Dinara MirtalipovaBy Anna Smith Spark. 2023
Readers of Shauna Lawless and Thilde Kold Holdt will love this Celtic-inflected adventure by critically acclaimed, grimdark epic fantasy novelist,…
Anna Smith Spark.A Sword of Bronze and Ashes combines the fierce beauty of Celtic myth with grimdark battle violence. It's a lyrical, folk horror high fantasy.Kanda has a good life until shadows from her past return threatening everything she loves. And Kanda, like any parent, has things in her past she does not want her children to know. Red war is coming: pursued by an ancient evil, Kanda must call upon all her strength to protect her family. But how can she keep her children safe, if they want to stand as warriors beside her when the light fades and darkness rises?FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressBy Chronicle Books. 2019
Nordic Tales is a collection of 16 traditional tales from the enchanting world of Nordic folklore.Translated and transcribed by folklorists…
in the 19th century, these stories are at once magical, hilarious, cozy, and chilling.Welcome to a world of mystical adventure—where trolls haunt the snowy forests, terrifying monsters roam the open sea, a young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear.• Offers a fascinating view into Nordic culture• The tales come alive alongside bold, contemporary art• Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Tales of Japan, Celtic Tales, Tales of India, and Tales of East AfricaNordic Tales will enthrall fans of fairytales and captivate those interested in the rich history of Nordic culture.Ulla Thynell's glowing contemporary illustrations accompany each tale, conjuring dragons, princesses, and the northern lights.• A visually gorgeous book that will be at home on the shelf or on the coffee table• A perfect gift for fairy tale and folklore lovers, fans of Nordic culture, people of Nordic ancestry, collectors of illustrated classics, and bibliophiles looking for a comforting wintertime read• Add it to the collection of books like D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, and Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton.People who love Greek mythology, roman mythology, Chinese mythology, Celtic mythology, and folklore and cultural studies from around the globe will love Nordic Tales.By Camilla Townsend, Nicky Kay Michael. 2023
The Lenape tribe, also known as the Delaware Nation, lived for centuries on the land that English colonists later called…
New Jersey. But once America gained its independence, they were forced to move further west: to Indiana, then Missouri, and finally to the territory that became Oklahoma. These reluctant migrants were not able to carry much from their ancestral homeland, but they managed to preserve the stories that had been passed down for generations. On the Turtle’s Back is the first collection of Lenape folklore, originally compiled by anthropologist M. R. Harrington over a century ago but never published until now. In it, the Delaware share their cherished tales about the world’s creation, epic heroes, and ordinary human foibles. It features stories told to Harrington by two Lenape couples, Julius and Minnie Fouts and Charles and Susan Elkhair, who sought to officially record their legends before their language and cultural traditions died out. More recent interviews with Lenape elders are also included, as their reflections on hearing these stories as children speak to the status of the tribe and its culture today. Together, they welcome you into their rich and wondrous imaginative world.In this book, first published in 1970, Ruth L. Tongue has collected a number of county folk tales recorded by…
her from childhood onwards, from old people, village children and farm round-the-fire sessions. Many of the beliefs embodied in the gipsy and witchcraft tales are still in practice today among the travelling people and locally ‘gifted’ healers. The tales reveal a good deal of fairy lore, some tree lore, including ghostly trees like Crooker, and the ‘uncanny’ Black Dog makes his appearance in more than one tale. The collection includes several of the long fireside tales which would be told on succeeding evenings on winter nights round the kitchen fire, and rhozzums from various localities.By Alan Bruford and Donald A. MacDonald. 2018
Stories of heroes, clans, and more in a collection that &“savours the Scottish rendering of old folk tales . . . A treasure…
house of the oral tradition&” (The Wee Review). All over the world, traditional tales were told at the fireside until books, newspapers, radio, and television took their place. This is an entertaining collection from Scotland, recorded and collected by researchers from the School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh over the past fifty years. Taken from a variety of sources, from the Hebridean Gaelic tradition to recordings of Lowland cairds (travellers), some are well-known tales which have equivalents in other cultures and languages, whilst others are unique to Scotland. The tales are arranged by theme: tall tales, hero tales, legends of ghosts and evil spirits, tales of fate and religion, fairies and sea-folk, children&’s tales, trickster tales, tales of clan feuds, and robber tales. This &“fine book which is highly recommended&” quickly establishes itself as a classic (Dalriada).