Folklore studies / Study of myth Books
State University Press of New York (SUNY) HistoricalCritical Introduction to the Philosophy
Book Synopsis
£22.96
Oxford University Press Myth A Very Short Introduction 2e Very Short
Book SynopsisWhere do myths come from? What is their function and what do they mean? In this Very Short Introduction Robert Segal introduces the array of approaches used to understand the study of myth. These approaches hail from disciplines as varied as anthropology, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, science, and religious studies. Including ideas from theorists as varied as Sigmund Freud, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Albert Camus, and Roland Barthes, Segal uses the famous ancient myth of Adonis to analyse their individual approaches and theories. In this new edition, he not only considers the future study of myth, but also considers the interactions of myth theory with cognitive science, the implications of the myth of Gaia, and the differences between story-telling and myth.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThe volume fulfills its function admirably, it is a pleasure to read, and Segal's grasp of myth theories, as well as his ability to present them lucidly, is impressive. It is refreshing to read an author who takes all the myth theorists that he discusses quite seriously and explains them clearly, but who engages his materials from a keen theoretical point of view, always with a view to logical inconsistencies and gaps in the argumentation. * Laura Feldt, Religion & Theology *This small yet extremely rich volume, now in its second edition and having been translated into a variety of European and non-European languages, can today be regarded as a classic... [a] remarkable overview of modern theories of myth. * Angus Nicholls, Religion *This admirably clear and sensibly priced volume, although 'very short', is also very comprehensive * Juliette Wood, Folklore *Science Fiction readers, and more so writers, may well find this short introduction to myth of interest. SF has drawn on mythological tropes from supermen (including Superman) and technology with, and imparting, god-like powers, through to flights to the heavens. * Concatenation, Jonathan Cowie *this is an essential addition to your library. It is an inexpensive book that maps out the territory of the theories of myth - covering a lot of academuc ground while being very readable and accessible. * International Journal of Jungian Studies *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Theories of myth ; 1. Myth and science ; 2. Myth and philosophy ; 3. Myth and religion ; 4. Myth and ritual ; 5. Myth and literature ; 6. Myth and psychology ; 7. Myth and structure ; 8. Myth and politics ; Conclusion: bringing myth back to the world ; References
£9.49
Nobrow Ltd An Illustrated History of UFOs
Book SynopsisMysterious lights in the sky. Alien abductions. Government cover-ups. Dedicated ufologists have spent years documenting unexplained phenomena from flying saucers to extraterrestrial life. Uncover the history of UFOs in this illustrated guide, which separates the science fiction from the facts. The mysterious history of flying saucers is explored in-depth, from potential alien visitors as far back as Stonehenge to UFO cults and the secrets of Area 51. Adam Allsuch Boardman details in his signature graphic style the aircraft and artefacts associated with the search for the truth about UFOs.Trade ReviewAdam Allsuch Boardman, shares his fascination with UFOs in this non-fiction collection of the people, literary estoerica and films dedicated to the phenomena. His aim is to bring context to the associated social history in this colourful picture book. * World Illustration Awards *With illustrations & details on everything from The Kecksburg Incident to the Pentagon's search this is the perfect gift for a budding ufologist. * Rare Mags *Super entertaining, informative and full of fantastic art. * Unexplained Scotland *
£14.44
The History Press Ltd Woodland Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
Book SynopsisA collection of traditional folk tales, including history, folklore and nature observations about the woodlands and forests of Britain and Ireland.Trade Review"Engrossing and enchanting and sometimes very entertaining."
£11.69
Princeton University Press The Origins of Monsters
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Few archaeologists would venture into as many regions or across as many disciplinary boundaries as David Wengrow does in his eloquent and ambition analysis."---Christina Riggs, Times Literary Supplement"The Origins of Monsters is a fascinating exposition of the archaeology of the ancient world as a topic that has current resonance. Well written and presented, wonderfully informed and confident, it is well placed to achieve Wengrow's worthy ambition to start a particular dialogue between disciplinary approaches to the topic of monsters."---Michael Punt, Leonardo Reviews
£31.50
McFarland & Co Inc Santa Claus Worldwide
Book Synopsis This is a comprehensive history of the world''s midwinter gift-givers, showcasing the extreme diversity in their depictions as well as the many traits and functions these characters share. It tracks the evolution of these figures from the tribal priests who presided over winter solstice celebrations thousands of years before the birth of Christ, to Christian notables like St. Martin and St. Nicholas, to a variety of secular figures who emerged throughout Europe following the Protestant Reformation. Finally, it explains how the popularity of a poem about a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer helped consolidate the diverse European gift-givers into an enduring tradition in which American children awake early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Although the names, appearance, attire and gift-giving practices of the world''s winter solstice gift-givers differ greatly, they are all recognizable as Santa, the personification of the Christmas and Midwinter festTable of Contents Acknowledgments Preface 1. The Remarkable Diversity, and Simultaneous Commonality, of the World's Midwinter Gift-Givers 2. Setting the Record Straight on the Nicholas-to-Irving-to-Moore-to-Nast History of Santa Claus 3. The Celebration of Christmas Before Christ 4. The Establishment of the Nativity of Jesus as a Christian Holiday 5. The Midwinter Celebrations of Yule in Northern Europe 6. The Emergence of St. Nicholas as a Seasonal Gift-Giver 7. The Identity and Emergence of the Evil Helpers of St. Nicholas 8. The Protestant Reformation and the Suppression of St. Nicholas 9. Knecht Ruprecht: Pagan God, Evil Helper or Faux Nicholas? 10. Gift-Givers in Germany and Central Europe: St. Nicholas, the Christ Child, Der Weihnachtsmann and Knecht Ruprecht 11. Gift-Givers in the British Isles: Father Christmas Still Reigns 12. Gift-Givers in the Benelux Nations: Sinterklaas and Black Peter 13. Gift-Givers in Scandinavia: The Yule Goats, Gnomes and Elves 14. Gift-Givers in the Southern Half of Europe: The Christ Child, Le Befana and the Three Kings 15. Gift-Givers in Russia and Eastern Europe: Ded Moroz and Snegurochka 16. How the Celebration of Christmas Came to the English Colonies in America (or Not) 17. The Purported Role of Washington Irving in the Introduction of St. Nicholas to America 18. How the Poem Now Known as "The Night Before Christmas" Started the Santa Ball Rolling 19. Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: William B. Gilley and Arthur J. Stansbury and The Children's Friend 20. From Moore to Nast: The Depictions of Santa from the 1820s through the 1890s 21. The Ups and Downs of Santa in the Twentieth Century Epilogue: The Santas of Christmas Future Chapter Notes Bibliography Index
£20.89
Oxford University Press Inc Liliths Cave
Book SynopsisOnce upon a time in the city of Tunis, a flirtatious young girl was drawn into Lilith''s dangerous web by glancing repeatedly at herself in the mirror. It seems that a demon daughter of the legendary Lilith had made her home in the mirror and would soon completely possess the unsuspecting girl. Such tales of terror and the supernatural occupy an honored position in the Jewish folkloric tradition. Howard Schwartz has superbly translated and retold fifty of the best of these folktales, now collected into one volume for the first time. Gathered from countless sources ranging from the ancient Middle East to twelfth-century Germany and later Eastern European oral tradition, these captivating stories include Jewish variants of the Pandora and Persephone myths and of such famous folktales as The Fisherman and His Wife, The Sorcerer''s Apprentice, and Bluebeard, as well as several tales from the Middle Ages that have never before been published. Focusing on crucial turning points in life--birth, marriage, and death--the tales feature wandering spirits, marriage with demons, werewolves, speaking heads, possession by dybbuks (souls of the dead who enter the bodies of the living), and every other kind of supernatural adversary. Readers will encounter a carpenter who is haunted when he makes a violin from the wood of a coffin; a wife who saves herself from the demoness her husband has inadvertently married by agreeing to share him for an hour each day; and the age-old tale of Lilith, Adam''s first wife, who refused to submit to him and instead banished herself from the Garden of Eden to give birth to the demons of the world. Drawn from Rabbinic sources, medieval Jewish folklore, Hasidic texts, and oral tradition, these stories will equally entrance readers of Jewish literature and those with an affection for fantasy and the supernatural.Trade ReviewImagine an American Hans Christian Andersen, conceive of the Brothers Grimm living in Missouri, and you will approximate Howard Schwartz, a fable-maker and fable-gatherer seduced by the uncanny and the unearthly. In Lilith's Cave, he once again reaches into a magical cornucopia of folklore and fantasy and spreads before us, in enchanting language, the marvels and shocks of dybbuks, ghosts, demons, spirits, and wizards. * Cynthia Ozick *Howard Schwartz continues to mine the rich vein of Jewish story with marvelous results....These engrossing tales travel the breadth and depth of Jewish tradition, encompassing not only the holy and enlightened, but the other side of the Jews' fears and longings as well. * Jane Yolen, editor of Favorite Folktales from Around the World *Howard Schwartz is a leader in a generation of Jews devoted to rebuilding that which was nearly destroyed a few mere decades ago. He sifts through the ashes and finds sparks and fragments of a spiritual world which offers us light and sustenance. Contained within these tales is an authentic voice of the Jewish people. Howard Schwartz is therefore like an angel: he is a messenger between worlds, bringing gifts from one to another. * Arthur Kurzweil, editor-in-chief, Jewish Book Club *A collection of fifty captivating stories....Fascinating....An excellent translation, a scholarly introduction, and a good system of cross-reference ensure that this book will become a classic in its genre. * The Jerusalem Post *The selections for this collection afford a fascinating vision of life beyond the Yenne Velt, the 'Other World'....Both a scholarly investigation into a valuable repository of human history and an engaging journey into the shadowy world of our ancestors' fears. * Midstream *Howard Schwartz is an excellent teller of tales and an erudite editor....The writing and choice of tales is lively, thoughtful, and emotionally engaging. * Genesis 2 *Howard Schwartz...possesses two of the most marvelous gifts one can receive: he is both a born storyteller and a wise scholar in the realm of Jewish mystical folklore and tales of the supernatural. * St. Louis Jewish Light *These fifty Jewish tales of the supernatural, dug up...and retold by our leading tale-recycler, will delight fans of goose pimples. * Sh'ma *A delightful collection of tales of Jewish ghosts, demons, magic, holy and powerful rabbis, and seductive demonesses, Lilith's Cave could be great bedside reading for the coming winter nights. * Gnosis Magazine *The light and the dark interpenetrate here, as in life, and are caught in the dazzling patterns of Shulevitz's masterly illustrations....Schwartz provides nourishment for both male and female souls, and passes on tales collected from grandmothers, rabbis, and tailors. * Shaman's Drum *Enjoyable, whether in the literary-poetic versions of Howard Schwartz or in the oral-person voice of Pninnah Schram....As readers and lovers of folktales in general and of Jewish lore in particular, we can only praise the authors for making available, on a large scale, some hidden treasures of Jewish wisdom. * Jewish Folklore & Ethnology Review *Brings all the dark imagery of Jewish folklore alive. It presents a world of fearsome illusion. * Jewish Journal *Howard Schwartz has carved himself a special place by selecting and rewriting stories drawn from Jewish folk materials....A book to dip into and think about...entertaining and often intriguing. * St. Louis Post-Dispatch *See GABRIEL'S PALACE or ELIJAH'S VIOLIN for The Sagarin Review quote
£34.05
Collective Ink Escaping from Eden: Does Genesis teach that the
Book SynopsisThe familiar stories of the book of Genesis affirm that God made the universe, planet earth, and you and me. However, various anomalies in the text clue us that we are not reading the original version of these stories. So what were the original narratives and what did they say about who we are and where we all came from? What was the earlier story of human origins, almost obliterated from the Hebrew Scriptures in the 6th century BC, and suppressed from Christian writing in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD? And what does any of this have to do with Extra Terrestrials? Escaping from Eden will take you on a journey around the world and into the mythologies of ancient Sumeria, Mesoamerica, India, Africa, and Greece to reveal a profound secret, hidden in plain sight in the text of the Bible. Far reaching and deeply controversial, this book points to truths about ourselves, the universe and everything that you may have long suspected but not dared to speak!
£8.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of
Book SynopsisAfter witnessing first-hand the death throes of this rich and captivating tradition, Richard Hamilton has tracked down the last few remaining storytellers of Morocco, recording stories that are replete with the mysteries and beauty of the Maghreb. Marrakech is the heart and lifeblood of Morocco's ancient storytelling tradition. For nearly a thousand years, storytellers have gathered in the Jemaa el Fna, the legendary square of the city, to recount ancient folktales and fables to rapt audiences. But this unique chain of oral tradition that has passed seamlessly from generation to generation is teetering on the brink of extinction. The competing distractions of television, movies and the internet have drawn the crowds away from the storytellers and few have the desire to learn the stories and continue their legacy. Moroccan tales have a huge educational, religious and moral impact on their audience, offering timeless values and guidance to all who listen. With their passing we risk losing something of Morocco's national psyche and also part of the world's tangible heritage. Those who have listened to the storytellers at Marrakech first-hand have witnessed something that is no longer part of this world, a treasure as precious as the planet's most endangered species and of immeasurable importance to humanity.Trade ReviewInspiring . . . brilliantly illustrates an ancient oral tradition in my country. I cannot but commend your untiring, meticulous work. Building on stories gathered directly from some of our most renowned storytellers, you have introduced readers to a time-honoured Moroccan tradition. -- Mohammed VI, King of MoroccoCharming, fantastical and lively collection. Like a genie emerging from a flask, The Last Storytellers produces a startling amount of pleasure from some very small packages.... Both men [author and interpreter] deserve much praise for the successful outcome of this endeavour. * Times Literary Supplement *Hamilton presents readers with a precious gift: a collection of content not quite like anything we have ever heard or seen before. Readers who might never reach Marrakech can find their own oasis by making a cup of mint tea and giving thanks for these enchanting stories rescued from oblivion. * New York Journal of Books *Think of this as a collection of Grimm’s fairy tales with plenty of added North African charm. * Lonely Planet *Hamilton does not only offer his readers a valuable, enchanting, interesting and entertaining read but also launches a cri de coeur to rescue this vanishing and traditional form of storytelling as it slowly falls into the abyss of forgetfulness. * North South Magazine *This is addictive material. * The National *A truly remarkable piece of literature. * Essential Travel Blog *Table of ContentsForeword: Circles in the Jemaa el Fna xiii Author’s Note Acknowledgements Introduction The Red Lantern The King and His Prime Minister The Gazelle with the Golden Horns The Imam and the Wager The Girl Who Fell in Love with the Hermit The Birth of the Sahara The Trials of Noureddine The Sultan and His Vizier’s Wife The Queen and the King, the Son of Amelkani Nour and the Sultan The Laundryman and the Fountain The Man Who Went Against His Father’s Wishes The Vizier and the Chicken The Fakir and the Frog The Two Hunchbacks El-Ghaliya Bent Mansour The Land and the Treasure The Statue and the Robber The Tailor, the Princess and the Eagle The Sultan and the Thief The Eyes of Ben’Adi The Shoemaker and the Bird The Vizier and the Barber Seven Coins and a Donkey The Sultan’s Daughter and the Leper The Nobleman and His Three Sons The Vengeance of Allah The Woman and the Black Cat Aicha Rmada The Traveller and the Pasha’s Daughter The Girl from Fes One Hundred and One Beheadings The Three Figs Suleiman, the Stork and the City of Gold The Woman and the Devil The Bird from the Land of Gabour The Pomegranate and the Talking Drum The Date Gatherers The Rich Woman and the Sacks of Corn Postscript
£13.49
Rockpool Publishing Runic Oracle
Book Synopsis
£19.19
Oxford University Press The Poetic Edda
Book SynopsisShe sees, coming up a second time,earth from the ocean, eternally green;the waterfalls plunge, an eagle soars above them,over the mountain hunting fish.After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress''s Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses, and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. This translation also features the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty, and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and speak to us as freely as when they were first written down seven hundred and fifty years ago.Trade ReviewLarringtons version of The Poetic Edda has been beautifully translated, and the flow of each poem is perfect. * Kirsty Hewitt, Book Hugger *A 750-year-old haul of Icelandic verse might not sound like cutting-edge entertainment but these sinewy sagas include such modern elements as gutsy heroines and ultra-violence. * Christopher Hirst, Independent *This is a lovingly presented translation of one of the most important works of Norse mythology ... A fabulous collection worthy of multiple readings. * Arthur Chappell, Concatenation.org *
£16.19
John Murray Press Jungle Nama
Book Synopsis'One of the finest writers of his generation' Financial TimesThousands of islands rise from the rivers' rich silts,crowned with forests of mangrove, rising on stilts.This is the Sundarban, where great rivers give birth;to a vast jungle that joins Ocean and Earth.Jungle Nama is a beautifully illustrated verse adaptation of a legend from the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. It tells the story of the avaricious rich merchant Dhona, the poor lad Dukhey, and his mother; it is also the story of Dokkhin Rai, a mighty spirit who appears to humans as a tiger, of Bon Bibi, the benign goddess of the forest, and her warrior brother Shah Jongoli. Jungle Nama is the story of an ancient legend with urgent relevance to today's climate crisis. Its themes of limiting greed, and of preserving the balance between the needs of humans and nature have never been more timely.Written in Amitav Ghosh's interpretation of the traditional Bengali verse meter, poyar, the poem is coupled with stunning illustrations from internationally renowned artist, Salman Toor.
£11.69
Yale University Press Creation Stories
Book SynopsisAn accessible exploration of how diverse cultures have explained humanity’s origins through narratives about the natural environmentTrade Review“Anthony Aveni has produced an absolutely amazing survey that fully documents Creation stories from multiple civilizations. His achievement is staggering, the fruit of decades of research.”—Simon Mitton, University of Cambridge "Tony Aveni has given us a unique survey of origin stories in many ancient societies written with eloquent skill. This important book will appeal to experts and general readers alike."—Brian Fagan, author of Fishing: How the Sea Fed Civilization“TonyAveni shares imaginative stories of violent struggles to create an orderly universe, of our landscapes' emerging, transforming and metamorphosing, in humanity’s timeless search for meaning and purpose: an anthological gem!”—Ian Mursell, co-founder and director of Mexicolore “Whether there was first darkness on the face of the deep, a void of nothing between fire and ice, or an optically opaque primordial chaos, Anthony Aveni takes us on a worldwide expedition illuminating the mysteries of Creation.”—Dr. E.C. Krupp, Director, Griffith Observatory “In this fascinating book Anthony Aveni turns his forensic gaze to the ultimate question of existence: where do we come from? Exploring creation stories from across the world, this book opens new perspectives on our relationship with time and space.”—Nicholas Campion, author of Astrology and Cosmology in the World’s Religions
£21.38
Batsford Ltd Arthurian Legends
Book SynopsisThe definitive book of stories from Arthurian legend. Delve into the enchanted world of Arthurian legends where you will meet the Knights of the Round Table, Wizard Merlin, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. With plots full of romance, adventure and enchantment, these fascinating ancient tales have been revived by the author to reflect their origins in oral history and will appeal to a whole new generation of readers. Stories include Elaine Who Loved Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Tristan and Isolde and The Enchantment of Merlin, many of which have recently been adapted in modern cinema and remain a fascination within contemporary culture. The book also features detailed notes on each story and mentions specific places in Britain with Arthurian links, including properties such as Tintagel. Beautifully illustrated with images inspired by Arthurian legend by Arthur Rackham and others.
£13.49
Synergetic Press Inc.,U.S. Social Forestry: Tending the Land as People of
Book SynopsisSocial Forestry: Tending the Land as People of Place is a must-have for anyone wanting to have a reciprocating relationship with their communities, themselves, and most importantly their awe-inspiring forests and landscapes. Social Forestry connects villages and communities to their forests and adjoining bodies of water. It includes forest management, protection, and regeneration of deforested lands with the objective of improving the rural, environmental, and social development. Through ecological assessment, carbon sequestration, and generating wildcrafts, people re-establish their wonder in the woods.Author Tomi Hazel Vaarde, collaborator of Siskiyou Permaculture, uses poetry, photographs, drawings, and data to outline philosophies and concepts of Social Forestry. By weaving culturally sensitive stories, myths, and lessons from a range of customs and traditions including North American Indigenous communities and Vaarde’s own Quaker upbringing, Vaarde explores how holistic land and community management approaches can facilitate resolution of some of our most dire local and global crises. The writer’s work is critical to overcoming eco-grief while instilling necessary changes to the West Coast landscape for fire mitigation and restoration of complex forest systems for generations to come.Many indigenous peoples have learned regenerative management by living for generations in and with a sense of place, but few examples of whole-system planning and participation are evident in modern society. Climate adaptation, human survival, and conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity that supports life on Earth require radical, back-to-the-roots grounding and intentional dedication. Social Forestry helps readers remember the ways of the wild while implementing local food production, collaboration with conservation efforts, forest management, and stabilization of headwaters to build resilience for the long term. To live in harmony with our surroundings, we need to re-skill, always remembering those who came before us and acting in ways that honor traditional wisdom of people and place. Social Forestry includes 31 4-color posters and 54 images.Trade ReviewVaarde delivers a guide to forging reciprocal, regenerative relationships between nature and communities.The author has been advising farms, stewarding forests, and teaching environmental sciences for more than 50 years since earning degrees in forestry and systematic botany from Syracuse University and SUNY College of Forestry. Vaarde’s book is a collection of data, prose, poems, photographs, drawings, and posters that explain the philosophies of social forestry and land ethics. Forests and bodies of water are often considered as essential only in relation to their benefits to human beings; the author challenges that idea by connecting nature to communities and emphasizing nature’s ; forestry work and ecology; cultures of place (shared values, belief systems, or ways of life within a specific geographical region); and visioning (picturing what one wants to happen and how a story might unfold). Vaarde recognizes that reading does not replace action when it comes to environmentalism: “This book is not merely a recipe collection, where the reader can pick and choose their indulgences; rather, we want to suggest that all skills and opportunities are embedded in cultural contexts that shape action and involvement in complex ways that a book cannot fully enfold.” The author encourages conservation efforts, forest management, local food production, and the promotion of environmental resiliency, among other practices, and includes myths, anecdotes, and lessons from many North American Indigenous communities’ customs and traditions. The book is brimming with well-researched information on every aspect of social forestry—readers should be warned that a surfeit of data and academic jargon can make it read like a textbook. Despite that, Vaarde does their due diligence to honor the traditional wisdom of communities and help human beings live in harmony with their surroundings. The book is a must-read for anyone curious to learn more about ethical land practices.A complex and informative all-in-one manual on social forestry.-- Kirkus ReviewTable of ContentsSocial Forestry: Table of ContentsAcknowledgments by HazelForeword by StarhawkHow to Read Hazel by Megan FehrmanPrinciples ClipboardIntroduction to Social Forestry Part I FoundationsChapter 1 Peoples of the ForestChapter 2 The LineageChapter 3 The Nest-Home Chapter 4 RelationshipsPart II In the ForestChapter 5 Forest Ecologies Chapter 6 Forestry Work Chapter 7 FireChapter 8 CharcoalChapter 9 Treasures from the Thickets Chapter 10 Forest Shelters Part III Toward Culture of PlaceChapter 11 Starting from HereChapter 12 Transition CulturesChapter 13 A Place for HumansChapter 14 Social OrderChapter 15 Carrying the BundlePart IV VisioningChapter 16 A Year in Wagner CountyIndexBibliography
£19.79
Blizzard Entertainment World of Warcraft Exploring Azeroth Islands
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£25.46
Adventures Unlimited Press The Giza Death Star Revisited
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£18.70
Princeton University Press Fossil Legends of the First Americans
Book SynopsisBeginning in the East, with its Ice Age monsters, and ending in the West, where dinosaurs lived and died, this richly illustrated and elegantly written book examines the discoveries of enormous bones in North America and uses of fossils for medicine, hunting magic, and spells.Trade Review"Mayor’s book is a fascinating exploration of how Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island held, and still hold, knowledge of fossils. Indigenous peoples observed the remains of enormous creatures found embedded in our land—from dinosaurs to giant buffalo—and integrated these findings into our ways of knowing. Mayor’s coupling of Indigenous stories of legendary beings to specific fossils, bone beds, and species makes this a must-read for anyone who thinks that the wisdom held in Indigenous oral traditions is anything less than science."---Kent Monkman, award-winning Cree visual artist"Mayor the storyteller relishes the opportunity to provide fascinating insights, but she shines most in her ability to stitch together a rich and varied body of oral history grounded in natural history. . . . Mayor clearly thrives at the intersection of science and folklore."---Bryn Nelson, Newsday"Marshaling the array of evidence available from scholarly and popular works, and contributing her own research, Mayor shows that far from ignoring fossils, many Native American groups took great notice of them and developed elaborate myths to explain their origin. . . . Though Mayor is careful not to homogenize native myths, she does note that virtually all of them exhibit a sense of 'deep time,' as geologists call it: an awareness that the world has existed for far longer than humans have walked it."---Eric A. Powell, Archaeology"Fossil Legends of the First Americans presents an interesting, intriguing and informative text, written in a fun, accessible way that will appeal to a wide audience, without scaring off the scientific community. The manner in which fossils legends and Native American tales are dealt with, is as original. . . . Adrienne Mayor has based her book on a substantial amount of relevant, up-to-date and to-the-point research data, and as such commands the reader's indulgence."---C. van Kooten, PaleoArchaeology"Through remarkably wide-ranging research, Mayor has recovered the fascinating story of how various tribes encountered and interpreted dinosaur bones and other remains of early life. . . . [She] illuminates the surprisingly relevant views of early peoples confronting evidence of prehistoric life. . . . This pioneering work replaces cultural estrangement with belated understanding." * Booklist *"Few books have had such an influence on my thinking as Adrienne Mayor’s book on fossil legends of the New World. For one thing, it invites one to ask how anyone can make old stories about old bones both so interesting and so worthwhile. . . . What Mayor has done is astonishing. She has been so thorough that it’s difficult to imagine anyone ever writing a more definitive book on her subject. . . . A hundred years from now, this book will surely continue to be read, consulted, and mined for data. I would not want to be a piece of data seeking to escape her attention. . . . Mayor not only shows how these stories cast light on cultural history but also demonstrates repeatedly that they anticipated many of the views of modern scientists."---Paul Barber, Journal of American Folklore
£15.29
Wellfleet Press Appalachian Folklore Unveiled
Book SynopsisStep behind the veil of a rarely accessed culture with terrifying and mysterious ghost stories and lore as old and deeply enriched as the Appalachian Mountains themselves. Hosts of the leading, ever-popular horror podcast network, Eeriecast, guide the reader through the winding trails and thick forests of Appalachia, encountering the ghosts, creepy creatures, paranormal sounds, and mysterious mists that cloak and roam this rarely-accessed region. With an emphasis on the rich history and deep cultural roots that haunt the folklore unique to Appalachia, Darkness Prevails and Carman Carrion illuminates the darkest and creepiest stories that have shaped a cryptic and essential aspect of Americana, including: Wampus Cat The Nûñnë'hï The Story of Spearfinger The Ghosts of Shut-in Creek The Scorched Man and more that demonstrate the tapestry of cultures that make up
£12.74
Collective Ink Maya Mire
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£10.44
The History Press Ltd Cuchulainn and the Crow Queen: Ancient Legends
Book SynopsisThese stories have been told for 2,000 years. At their heart stands the great Ulster hero, Cúchulainn and on his shoulder sits a dark goddess in the form of a crow. She is the mistress of chaos, surveying the slaughter as he whirls in fury through an ancient yet still familiar world. Their dynamic force has helped shape the history of Ireland – its tribes, its warrior queens, its dispossessed kings. Harnessing the imagination of a modern storyteller, using often overlooked material, this work is an exhilarating retelling of an epic journey – following our champion from a disputed birth through to the battle of the bulls and beyond.
£9.49
Scribner Book Company Science of the Magical
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£15.30
Chronicle Books Monstrous Tales
Book SynopsisMonstrous Tales is a collection of traditional folktales about bewitching and bloodthirsty creatures.Translated and transcribed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these tales celebrate the diversity of—and surprising resonances among—folklore traditions around the world.Welcome to a world of magical adventure: a mysterious wolf pursues a bridegroom through a dark forest, a princess is trapped in a monster''s body, and a dragon is coming with a storm in its wake.• The tales come alive alongside spellbinding contemporary art by Chinese illustrator Sija Hong.• Each story transports readers to a different enthralling world.• Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Tales of Japan, Celtic Tales, and Tales of IndiaAs readers roam from Japan to Nigeria and Ireland to Guyana, they''ll witness deadly pacts, heroic feats, and otherworldly journeys.Features tales from Australia, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Sioux Nation, Guyana, Iceland, India, Inuit Nunangat, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Pueblo of Isleta, Scotland, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine.• A special illustrated edition, complete with an embossed, textured case and a ribbon marker• Perfect gift for fairy tale and folklore lovers, fans of monsters and creatures, collectors of illustrated classics, adults and teens alike, and bibliophiles• A visually gorgeous book that will be at home on the shelf or on the coffee table• Great for those who enjoyed books like Through the Woods by Emily Carroll; The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke; and Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth by Carol Rose
£16.14
Usborne Publishing Adventures of King Arthur Graphic Novel
Book SynopsisRussell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.
£9.49
Feral House,U.S. The Krampus And The Old, Dark Christmas: Roots
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£20.39
Visible Ink Press The Bigfoot Book: The Encyclopedia of Sasquatch,
Book SynopsisDoes a hulking, hairy, 800-pound, nine-foot-tall, elusive primate roam the woods and forests throughout North America - and the world? Audio- recordings exist purporting to be the creatures' eerie chatter and bone-chilling screaming. Whether called Sasquatch, Yeti, Bigfoot or something else , bipedal primates appear in folklore, legends and eyewitness accounts in every state of the union and many places around the world. The fascination with the man-beast is stronger than ever in today's pop culture.Trade Review"A wild, woolly compendium of our man-ape obsessions." Library Journal"... useful encyclopedia ... bang up-to-date. Newcomers to this complex topic will do well to start here." Fortean Times"... thorough encyclopedia of the Bigfoot legend ..." School Library Journal"... like all of Nick Redfern’s books, it is a damn good scary read." Magonia Review of Books"... a comprehensive resource into the most notable creature known to Cryptozoology." cryptosightings.com"The giftee you know who loves things that go stomp in the night will also love opening The Bigfoot Book, by Nick Redfern. It’s a book about large, hairy creatures: Yeti, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Little Red Men, and other critters you don’t want to meet on a dark and stormy night." Bookworm Sez"There are so many stories included here that it is hard to keep them all straight. Thank goodness for the index! You do not have to be a believer to enjoy this everything Bigfoot book. Read it for the sheer fun of folklore." Children's Literature"A fun jaunt through lesser-known Bigfoot yarns and interpretations ..." IDoubtIt.com
£17.99
The History Press Ltd Forest Folk Tales for Children
Book SynopsisFolk tales from Britain’s many forests and woodlands selected for 7-11 year olds
£11.40
McFarland and Company, Inc. The Halloween Encyclopedia 2D Ed
Book SynopsisMajor entries include Samhain, witches, skeletons, the Day of the Dead, the jack-o'-lantern, and trick-or-treating. Hundreds of entries cover Halloween history and mythology, fortune-telling lore, harvest legends, and 20th century additions to the holiday's rituals.
£20.89
MIT Press Gef
Book SynopsisAn exhaustive investigation of the case of Gef, a “talking mongoose” or “man-weasel,” who appeared to a family living on the Isle of Man.“I am the fifth dimension! I am the eighth wonder of the world!”During the mid-1930s, British and overseas newspapers were full of incredible stories about Gef, a “talking mongoose” or “man-weasel” who had allegedly appeared in the home of the Irvings, a farming family in a remote district of the Isle of Man. The creature was said to speak in several languages, to sing, to steal objects from nearby farms, and to eavesdrop on local people.Despite written reports, magazine articles and books, several photographs, fur samples and paw prints, voluminous correspondence, and signed eyewitness statements, there is still no consensus as to what was really happening to the Irving family.Was it a hoax? An extreme case of folie à plusieurs? A poltergeist? The possession of an animal by an evil spirit? Now you can read all the evidence and decide for yourself. Seven years'' research and interviews, photographs (many previously unseen), interviews with surviving witnesses, visits to the site—all are presented in this book, the first examination of the case for seventy years.In the words of its mischievous, enigmatic subject, “If you knew what I know, you''d know a hell of a lot!"
£15.99
Wooden Books The Little People: Fairies, Elves, Nixies,
Book SynopsisHave you ever seen a pixie? Really? How about a nixie? Where would you find a brownie? And who exactly is Puck? Hiding in the woods, meadows, lakes and caves of these green and pleasant lands are a multitude of little-studied folk who have evaded the course eyes and lenses of modern naturalists for years. Join Paul Johnson and Dan Goodfellow as they at last unveil the fair folk of these ancient lands, their secret ways, names and abodes. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.
£8.18
Anness Publishing Indian Folk Tales: Eighteen Stories of Magic,
Book SynopsisA twelfth-century Sanskrit parallel to Hans Christian Andersen's `The Princess and the Pea' is just one of the surprises in this unusual collection of fairy tales from the Indian subcontinent. There are animal fables that recall both Aesop and Uncle Remus, and long wonder tales with all the strange enchantments of the Arabian Nights. Wily peasants, scheming rajahs, and saintly brahmans mingle in stories full of spice and wit. Luck and fate are the chief concerns, but magic and bravery play their part as well. These eighteen stories have been selected with an introduction and notes by folklorist Neil Philip, and retold for today's children by Caroline Ness. The result is a vibrant anthology of magical tales that will delight all the family, ideal to read aloud or for older readers to enjoy discovering by themselves. In this enchanting anthology of fairy tales from across the Indian subcontinent, you will enter into a world where an elephant rides to heaven and back; an exiled prince wins his inheritance; a resourceful princess pits her wits against a witch; and of a male Cinderella - but with a twist to the tail! Jacqueline Mair's richly detailed illustrations draw on her experience travelling and studying in India to produce a book full of colour and vibrancy.
£7.20
Arnoldsche Eyes as Big as Plates 2
Book SynopsisIn their remarkable art project Eyes as Big as Plates, ongoing since 2011, the two artists Karoline Hjorth and Riitta Ikonen explore the relationship between humans and nature. To this end, they have travelled the world and created portraits of 52 people in diverging landscapes. The resulting series of photographs presents people whose age is typically over 50, wrapped in artistic, almost living sculptures made of the most diverse natural materials that Hjorth and Ikonen collected from the subjects’ surroundings: their floral, faunal, and fungal cohorts. The sensitively shot photographs open up new aesthetic worlds full of playful effortlessness that convey a strong message: We are nature! For the Norwegian-Finnish duo, it is not just about a successful photographic image. This second volume of the series consolidates these atmospheric portraits with concise descriptions of those portrayed, who, rather than remain solely as props in the picture, present themselves and their life stories. The Field Notes section compiles further photographic material composed around the portraits. The artists offer insights into the portraits’ process of creation and provide us with the opportunity to accompany the artists on their journeys.
£35.70
Watkins Media Limited Earth Alchemy Oracle: Cards to connect to
Book SynopsisCONNECT TO THE MAGIC OF THE EARTH. This powerful and beautiful deck is a portal to inner healing, love and connection. Each colourful card is infused with crystals, plants, trees, flowers and the sacred language of light, as intuited by Katie-Jane Wright. Plants represent growth; flowers, discovery; crystals, depth. Together they hold the keys to help you dive deeper to past lives, unite with the elementals and the energy of inner earth. 50 stunning, unique cards connect you to the magic at your feet. A detailed guidebook explains the energy of each card and how to work with the deck, including a ceremony for awakening its magic, and information on details threaded through the cards: the hidden golden keys, the elementals and the seven colour rays. Try various recommended spreads to direct your intuition - the Chakra Spread, the Elements of Change Spread or the Earth Dragon Grounding Spread. Mother Earth is calling and it's time to listen. What messages does she have for you?
£20.01
Duckworth Books Arcadian Days
Book SynopsisTaking inspiration from the incomparably beautiful and intense poetry of Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, Spurling - a lifelong classicist and historical novelist - spins five more myths for contemporary readers.
£9.89
McDonald & Woodward Publishing Company, US NEW PATTERNS IN THE SKY MYTHS AND LEGE Myths
Book SynopsisThis is a modern classic in the literature of sky lore -- a comprehensive collection of myths, legends, and historical notes about each of the 88 constellations and the sun, moon, Milky Way, and shooting stars. Star maps depict the constellations with outline figures. Written for the non-specialist and widely respected by professional planetarians, this book provides a substantive review of the familiar star lore of classical Southwest Asian and Mediterranean civilisations as well as that of ancient China, South Asia, and traditional societies of northern Eurasia, North and South America, the Pacific Islands, and Australasia. This is one of the must-have books that should be in the library of every enthusiast of mankind's enchantment with the night sky.
£21.74
Adams Media Corporation Fairies
Book SynopsisAn enchanting treasury of fairy lore!Around the corner, behind the bushes, and just out of sight...fairies have spent hundreds of years weaving their way in and out of our homes and gardens to spread their magic. Featuring folklore, mythology, and poetry from around the world, this lovely collection reveals these ethereal spirits'' extraordinary powers and the history behind their existence. From the case of the Cottingley fairies in the early twentieth century, whose photographs fooled thousands (including Arthur Conan Doyle), to the mischievous fairies found in Shakespeare''s A Midsummer Night''s Dream, the fascinating stories surrounding these magical sprites are sure to captivate anyone who has ever dreamed of catching one hiding deep within her flowerbed. Whether you''re interested in exploring the history and culture or just want to learn more about fairies'' powers and trickery, you''ll love plunging into the enchanting tales that bring these whimsical creatuTrade Review"I love this book now, and I would've loved it as a child.... The perfect resource for readers young and old who are fascinated by fairies and the folklore surrounding them." --YA Book Central
£12.59
Candlewick Press,U.S. The Odyssey A Graphic Novel
Book SynopsisWith bold imagery and an ear tuned to the music of Homer's epic poem, Gareth Hinds reinterprets the ancient classic as it's never been told before.Fresh from his triumphs in the Trojan War, Odysseus, King of Ithaca, wants nothing more than to return home to his family. Instead, he offends the sea god Poseidon, who dooms him to long years of shipwreck and wandering. In his efforts to get home, Odysseus must battle man-eating monsters, violent storms, and the supernatural seductions of sirens and sorceresses. He will need all his strength and cunning - and a little help from Mount Olympus - to make his way home once more and seize back his kingdom from the scheming suitors who seek to wed his queen and usurp his throne. Award-winning graphic artist Gareth Hinds masterfully reinterprets a story of heroism, adventure, and high action that has been told and retold for over 2,500 years...
£16.14
McFarland & Company Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and
Book Synopsis Fairies have been revered and feared, sometimes simultaneously, throughout recorded history. This encyclopedia of concise entries, from the A-senee-ki-waku of northeastern North America to the Zips of Central America and Mexico, includes more than 2,500 individual beings and species of fairy and nature spirits from a wide range of mythologies and religions from all over the globe.
£27.54
Faber & Faber The White Goddess
Book SynopsisThis labyrinthine and extraordinary book, first published more than fifty years ago, was the outcome of Graves''s vast reading and curious research into strange territories of folklore, mythology, religion and magic. Erudite and impassioned, it is a scholar-poet''s quest for the meaning of European myths, a polemic about the relations between man and woman, and also an intensely personal document in which Graves explored the sources of his own inspiration and, as he believed, all true poetry.This new edition has been prepared by Grevel Lindop, who has written an illuminating introduction. The text of the book incorporates all Graves''s final revisions, as well as his replies to two of the original reviewers, and a long essay in which he describes the months of inspiration in which The White Goddess was written.
£17.09
Chronicle Books Tales of India
Book SynopsisTrade Review"This handsome illustrated hardback selects folktales from the Indian regions of Bengal, Punjab and Tamil Nedu. [...] The main draw is the full-colour illustrations (one for each story) by Goan artists Svahbu Kohli and Viplov Singh. Slightly cartoonish, they’re hugely charming." SFX Magazine
£16.14
Dorling Kindersley Ltd The Illustrated Mahabharata
Book Synopsis
£31.50
The Gresham Publishing Co. Ltd Scottish Myths and Legends
Book Synopsis"Scottish Myths and Legends" is an entertaining taste of the feast of stories that Scotland has to offer. Fairy folk, witches, giants, monsters, tales of heroic princes, magic and miraculous feats - all are the stuff of the myths and legends of Scotland. Scotland is a nation made up of many peoples and cultures. This diversity of cultural influence is reflected in Scotland's vast store of myths and legends. This book contains a fascinating selection of these; some recent, some ancient, some obscure in origin and others based (however loosely) on fact. We invite you to revel in engaging tales of selkies, kelpies, glaistigs, fairy queens and changelings; wonder at the mysteries that may be hidden in the depths of Scottish lochs; and, shiver at tales of supernatural disappearances, deadly creatures and grisly deeds, and if you ever meet someone called Sawney Bean, who lived in a cave with his family and ate people - run for your life!Table of ContentsTales of the sea; legendary places; monsters on land and water; visitors to the fairy realm; legendary figures; Celtic myths; Giants; Witches; Murder; Clans; Holy Men of Scotland; Glaistigs and Kelpies
£6.93
Adventures Unlimited Press The Rise: Sauniere'S Magical Workings and the
Book Synopsis
£14.62
HarperCollins Publishers Grimms Fairy Tales Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.The wolf thought to himself, What a tender young creature! what a nice plump mouthful she will be better to eat than the old woman. I must act craftily, so as to catch both.'This collection of much-loved folk tales features such familiar characters as daring Little Red Riding Hood, crafty Rumpelstiltskin and the ill-fated infants Hansel and Gretel. They are as magical and fascinating today as when they were first told, despite or because of the underlying darkness at their heart.Collected in a single volume by the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, and first published in 1812, these stories are known and loved by adults and children alike, and have grown to be an invaluable part of our collective imagination.
£9.49
Inner Traditions Bear and Company A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine
Book SynopsisThe Druids used the ancient Ogham Tree Alphabet to work magic and honor the dead, surrounding each letter with medicinal and spiritual lore. Poets and bards created a secret sign language to describe the letters, each of which is named for a tree or a plant. For centuries this language was transmitted only orally in order to protect its secrets. Combining her extensive herbal knowledge and keen poetic insight, Ellen Evert Hopman delves deeply into the historic allusions and associations of each of the 20 letters of the Ogham Tree Alphabet. She also examines Native American healing methods for possible clues to the way ancient Europeans may have used these trees as healing agents. Druidic spiritual practices, herbal healing remedies, and plant lore are included for each tree in the alphabet as well as how each is used in traditional rituals such as the Celtic Fire Festivals and other celebrations. Hopman also includes a pronunciation guide for the oghams and information on the divinatory meanings associated with each tree.Trade Review"Ellen Evert Hopman has put together a great resource for tree lore in A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine. Not only does this book offer an historical perspective on the culture and civilization of the Druids of Ireland, it provides a description of the herbal uses and spiritual aspects of each tree described by the Ogham Tree Alphabet." * Kathryn Price, book editor, WomensRadio *"Not only is Hopman a Druid priestess extraordinaire, but a master herbalist. . . . I would suggest this book to anyone interested in Celtic history, mythology, herbalism, and/or Pagan religious practices. In other words, most everyone." * The Magical Buffet, Nov 2008 *"This could be a reference to keep in your library, or used as a place to start an entirely new avenue of education and learning. The presentation is simple enough not to be intimidating, but the depth of information and the bibliography are quite impressive." * D. Tigermoon, The Pagan Review, Nov 2008 *" . . . this will not be a one-read through book, but a book you will return to again and again, making new discoveries each time." * Christopher Blackwell, AREN Alternative Religions Education Network, Jul 2008 *"Not only will you get a lesson in language, but also in the various uses available to anyone wishing to connect with the magic carried by each individual type of tree. The Gaelic pronunciation guide in the back of the book alone is worth the price of this book. There is a plethora of information jammed into this one and well worth the turning of the pages." * Veritas Newsletter, Jul 2008 *"Ellen Evert Hopman is a sister to Trees, and can hear their countless whispers and songs, which is what makes this book so magical." * Crow Birchsong (Mabyn Wind), reviewer *"This book is indispensable reading for anyone following the Druidic path and indeed anyone interested in the wider Pagan movement. But also, it has been expertly written in a way that any modern practitioner of traditional healing methods, or herbalist, will find a wealth of knowledge that will inspire and guide them to a much greater understanding of the use and history of each tree." * Eolas, Wisdom of the Oaks, Feb 2009 *"This is a great resource book for anyone looking to learn more about the herbal practices of the Druid's and to add working with herbs to their own practices. . . . This book also includes a pronunciation guide at the end that is really a nice added bonus." * The Pagan Review, Mar 2009 *"Hooray! A book that tells us how to pronounce a tongue-twisting Celtic phrase like Craobh a b'áirde de 'n abhall thu . . . the whole book is interesting to read, with its accounts of life and magic in Celtic Ireland." * Barbara Ardinger, Pan Gaia, No. 50, Spring 2009 *"The herbal remedies will be of great use to myself, and to anyone who decides to read the book. . . . this will be a cherished addition to any Neo-Druid's library." * Druidic Dawn, June 2009 *"As a guide for Celtic Reconstructionists, this book is invaluable. . . . Hopman's version of the Ogham meanings and use is just one of many; yet this book is so well researched and written that one cannot help but see the truth." * Eolas, Wisdom of the Oaks, Sept 2009 *"Hopman is an incredible resource for all of us seeking to take our health, medicine, and spirituality into our own hands. A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine deserves a place on the shelf next to her other guides of magical and medicinal love." * Witches&pagans.com, September 2010 *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part One The Ogham Tree Alphabet Birch-Beith Rowan-Luis Alder-Fearn Willow-Saille Ash-Nion Hawthorn-Huath Oak-Dair Holly-Tinne Hazel-Coll Apple-Quert Vine-Muin Ivy-Gort Reed-Ngetal Blackthorn-Straif Elder-Ruis Silver Fir-Ailm Furze-Onn Heather-Úr Aspen-Edad Yew-Idad Part Two The Druidic Arts Druid Magic Magical Tools of the Druids The Magical Arts of the Forest Druids--A Practical Guide Celebrate the Celtic Fire Festivals Ogham Divination Divinatory Meanings Appendices Selected Gaelic Pronunciation Guide Pronunciation Guide for the Word Oghams Notes Bibliography About the Author Index
£12.34
Inhabit Media Inc Unikkaaqtuat: An Introduction to Inuit Myths and
Book SynopsisUnikkaaqtuat is the Inuktitut word meaning "to tell stories." This definitive collection of Inuit legends is thoughtfully introduced and carefully annotated to provide the historical and cultural context in which to understand this rich oral tradition. Fascinating and educational, this little-known part of Canada's heritage will captivate readers of all ages. As a work of historical and cultural preservation, this textbook will be invaluable to those studying Inuit. Table of ContentsTable of Contents Editor’s Note ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter One How the World Came to Be and Other Creation Stories...................................................................25 The Struggle for Day and Night................................................................................................................................... 27 Origin of Death................................................................................................................................................................... 29 How Children were Formerly Obtained.................................................................................................................. 30 Thunder and Lightning................................................................................................................................................... 31 The Brother and Sister who Became Thunder and Lightning....................................................................... 33 Origin of the Sun and the Moon.................................................................................................................................. 35 The Mother of the Sea Mammals................................................................................................................................ 37 The Orphan Girl who Became the Mother of the Sea Mammals................................................................... 42 The Woman who Married the Dog ............................................................................................................................ 44 Origin of the Walrus and of the Caribou ................................................................................................................. 48 Origin of the Caribou....................................................................................................................................................... 50 Origin of the Narwhal...................................................................................................................................................... 51 How the Narwhal Came.................................................................................................................................................. 58 Origin of the Agdlaq......................................................................................................................................................... 62 The Hunters that Transformed into a Constellation.......................................................................................... 64 The Akla that Turned into Fog..................................................................................................................................... 65 Origin of Fog........................................................................................................................................................................ 67 Origin of the Red Phalarope and of the Web-footed Loon............................................................................... 71 The Ptarmigan.................................................................................................................................................................... 73 The Ptarmigan and the Snow Bunting..................................................................................................................... 74 The Ptarmigan and the Small Bird ............................................................................................................................ 75 The Wind .............................................................................................................................................................................. 76 The Loon and the Raven................................................................................................................................................. 77 Chapter Two Mistreatment and Consequence ..............................................................................................................79 Qaudjaqdjuq........................................................................................................................................................................ 81 The Boy who Harpooned a Whale ............................................................................................................................. 86 The Artificial Skull that Frightened People to Death......................................................................................... 89 Papik....................................................................................................................................................................................... 91 Pautusôrssuaq, who Murdered his Uncle............................................................................................................... 95 The Wife-changers ........................................................................................................................................................... 98 The Man who did not Observe Taboos .................................................................................................................... 100 The Emigration to the Land Beyond the Sea......................................................................................................... 102 Podluksak............................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Murdering a Stranger...................................................................................................................................................... 107 Tale of an Agdlaq............................................................................................................................................................... 110 The Emigration of Women............................................................................................................................................ 112 The Woman who Escaped to the Moon................................................................................................................... 114 Atanaarjuat.......................................................................................................................................................................... 121 Lice.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 128 Storm Caused by a Loon................................................................................................................................................. 129 Chapter Three Journeys and Adventures ...........................................................................................................................131 Kiviuq..................................................................................................................................................................................... 133 Kiviuq..................................................................................................................................................................................... 140 Atungait................................................................................................................................................................................. 150 The Soul ................................................................................................................................................................................ 157 The Soul that Let itself Be Born Again in all the Animals of the Earth....................................................... 161 Chapter Four Hardships and Famine ................................................................................................................................165 Ijimagasukdjukdjuaq....................................................................................................................................................... 167 Igimagajug, the Cannibal ............................................................................................................................................... 170 Karnapik, the Cannibal................................................................................................................................................... 174 Separated from Camp...................................................................................................................................................... 177 Kating Saved his Family in Time of Famine........................................................................................................... 179 Taboos and Starvation .................................................................................................................................................... 182 An Unsuccessful Whale Hunt....................................................................................................................................... 183 The Old Woman and her Grandchild........................................................................................................................ 186 The Woman who Could not Be Satiated.................................................................................................................. 189 Chapter Five Animals in Human Form.............................................................................................................................193 The Woman who Heard Bears Speak ....................................................................................................................... 195 The Man who Took a Wife from Among the Wild Geese.................................................................................. 198 The Man who Took a Fox for a Wife.......................................................................................................................... 202 Ititaujang .............................................................................................................................................................................. 205 Dialogue between Two Ravens ................................................................................................................................... 210 The Man who Married the Fox .................................................................................................................................... 213 The Boy who Lived on Ravens..................................................................................................................................... 219 The Visitor............................................................................................................................................................................ 222 The Woman who Transformed herself into a Bear ............................................................................................ 226 The Woman who Became a Bear and Killed her Enemy.................................................................................. 229 The Fox .................................................................................................................................................................................. 233 The Woman who Became a Raven............................................................................................................................. 234 Story of Three Girls .......................................................................................................................................................... 236 The Fox and the Wolf....................................................................................................................................................... 240 The Bear Country.............................................................................................................................................................. 241 The Country of the Bears and Wolves...................................................................................................................... 243 The Muskox ......................................................................................................................................................................... 246 The Country of the Wolves............................................................................................................................................ 247 How Inuit Learned the Proper Taboos for when a Bear is Killed................................................................. 250 The Polar Bear and the Boy.......................................................................................................................................... 251 The Woman and her Bear Cub..................................................................................................................................... 255 Chapter Six Animal Fables.................................................................................................................................................259 The Owl and the Lemming............................................................................................................................................ 261 The Owl and the Lemming............................................................................................................................................ 263 The Bear and the Caribou.............................................................................................................................................. 264 The Owl and the Raven................................................................................................................................................... 265 The Foxes.............................................................................................................................................................................. 266 The Fox and the Rabbit................................................................................................................................................... 268 The Owl and the Two Rabbits...................................................................................................................................... 269 The Owl that was Too Greedy...................................................................................................................................... 270 The Owl and the Bear...................................................................................................................................................... 272 The Race of the Worm and the Louse....................................................................................................................... 273 The Raven that was Anxious to be Married........................................................................................................... 274 Glossary................................................................................................................................................................................. 277 References............................................................................................................................................................................ 285
£17.99
Granta Books Gossip from the Forest: The Tangled Roots of Our
Book SynopsisFairytales are one of our earliest and most vital cultural forms, and forests one of our most ancient landscapes. Both evoke a similar sensation in us - we find them beautiful and magical, but also spooky, sometimes horrifying. In this fascinating book, Maitland argues that the two forms are intimately connected: the mysterious secrets and silences, gifts and perils of the forests were both the background and the source of the fairytales made famous by the Grimms and Hans Christian Andersen. Yet both forests and fairy stories are at risk and their loss deprives us of our cultural lifeblood. Maitland visits forests through the seasons, from the exquisite green of a beechwood in spring, to the muffled stillness of a snowy pine wood in winter. She camps with her son Adam, whose beautiful photographs are included in the book; she takes a barefoot walk through Epping Forest with Robert Macfarlane; she walks with a mushroom expert through an oak wood, and with a miner through the Forest of Dean. Maitland ends each chapter with a unique, imaginitive re-telling of a fairytale. Written with Maitland's wonderful clarity and conversational grace, Gossip from the Forest is a magical and unique blend of nature writing, history and imaginative fiction.
£10.44
Collective Ink Abide As That: Ramana Maharshi & The Song of
Book SynopsisThere are some writings that transcend time and tradition and speak to the ever-present heart of the human experience. Simple yet profound, challenging yet compassionate, the Song of Ribhu is one such example of this. In the same tradition as the Bhagavad Gita or the Ashtavakra Gita, the Ribhu Gita, literally the Song of Ribhu represents the highest declaration of Advaita Vedanta, spoken by the enlightened sage Ribhu to his disciple Nidagha on the slopes of Mount Kedara in the Himalayas. Some 2,500 years later, another awakened master, Sri Ramana Maharshi was touched by these same words, considering them to be one of the most sublime expressions of the awakened state that humanity had ever produced. He spoke of it reverently and would even give copies to his devotees to read. The version that follows is a selection, made by Sri Ramana Maharshi himself, of 45 verses that capture the very essence of the Ribhu Gita - an essence that this fresh and masterful modern translation manages to communicate in simple and elegant English, perfectly adapted to the Western reader. The book also contains the story of Ribhu and Nidagha as told by Sri Ramana Maharshi, as well as excerpts from informal talks with his students to further clarify the themes.
£8.66
