Myths, Legends, and Folktales of America: An Anthology
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.66 (677 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0195117840 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 240 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2013-02-03 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Leeming and Page have collaborated in the past on Goddess and God, both published by Oxford.. David Leeming is a former Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Connecticut and also the author of many books, including The World of Myth, Mythology: The Voyage of the Hero, and Amazing Grace: A Life of Beauford Delaney. Jake Page is an essayist, science writer, novelist, and co-author wi
The headnotes are exceptionally informative. . Though modest in length, it effectively covers America's polyglot society, ranging from Native Americans to African Americans, Asian Americans, and European Americans. Deftly arranged and clearly written, this anthology celebrates the diversity and rich heritage shared by all Americans.?Richard K. Assembled from original documents and secondary sources, the vignettes reveal a country full of characters vital to our collective memory, from Paul Revere to Superman. From Library Journal This entertaining anthology presents the astonishing breadth of American folklore, embracing beliefs, myths, sketches, and tall tales that reflect the American experience. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. The editors, who collaborated previously on God: Myths of the Male Divine (LJ 1/96), here continue in the spirit of the late Ben Botkin (
In the book's section on dogmas and icons, for instance, Leeming and Page discuss the American melting pot, the notion of manifest destiny, and the imposing historical and literary figure of Henry Adams. This thoroughly engaging anthology is sweeping in its scope, embracing Big Foot and Windigo, Hiawatha and Uncle Sam, Paul Revere and Billy the Kid, and even the Iroquois Flying Head and Elvis. For every myth or hero rendered here, the editors include an informative yet readable excerpt, often the definitive account of the story in question. And under Heroes and Heroines, they have assembled everyone from "Honest Abe" Lincoln and George
Myths, Legends and Folktales of America Bruce Kibler A surpirse indeed. I was actually expecting and anthology of folktales ranging from Paul Bunyan to Casey Jones and Johnny Appleseed etc. Although most of these also appear in the book, the book delves into the historical roots of many of the belief systems of american indians as well. Tracing European, African and Asian beliefs/myths/legends about creation and the development of (wo)mankind makes for fascinating reading. How these belief systems intermingled and adapted to thier new environment and formed a basis for the new "American way of life" - highly recommended reading!