Book details
FAIRY TALES OF THE SLAV PEASANTS AND HERDSMEN -20 illustrated Slavic tales: 20 illustrated tales and stories from the Slavic people
Description
Very few of the 20 fairy tales included in this volume have been presented before in an English dress; this will doubtless enhance their value in the eyes of the young folk, for whom, principally, they are intended. Herein you will find tales like THE TWELVE MONTHS - the story of Marouckla, who is set seemingly impossible tasks by her stepmother, but with the help of the Twelve Months overcomes and succeeds. THE LOST CHILD - the story of a childless Noble couple who pray earnestly for a child. Their wish is granted with one condition - that that the child's feet never touched the earth until it was twelve years old...... Then you have the stories of THE SOVEREIGN OF THE MINERAL KINGDOM, OHNIVAK, TEARS OF PEARLS, KINKACH MARTINKO and many, many more. These tales have been translated and illustrated by EMILY J. HARDING. The accompanying 55 illustrations and headpieces speak for themselves, and are what might have been expected from the artist of her calibre. The translation has been carefully revised by a well-known writer, who has interfered as little as possible with the original text, except in those instances where slight alterations were necessary. The Slav race is considerably diverse, both genetically and culturally. Famous Slavs in recent times are Pope John Paul II, the first human astronaut Yuri Gagarin, former President of Russia Mikhail Gorbachev and electrician/inventor Nikola Tesla. In earlier times Slavic groups also migrated as far North as Scandinavia, and constituted elements amongst the Vikings; whilst at the other geographic extreme, Slavic mercenaries fighting for the Byzantines and Arabs settled Asia Minor and even as far East as Syria. So sit back in a comfy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy these forgotten tales, lost to Western readers for over 100 years.
Age
7-9
Text complexity
beginner
Length
398 pages
Book in series
#3
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: Reading 'Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen' provides a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Slavic people. The stories are a window into the values, beliefs, and customs of a diverse group of Eastern European societies.
- Literary Diversity: The book offers readers a chance to explore a variety of tales that differ from the more commonly known Western fairy tales. This diversity in storytelling can broaden one's literary horizons and introduce new narrative styles and motifs.
- Historical Significance: The tales collected by Emily J. Harding are not just stories; they are also historical documents that capture the social and moral ethos of the time when they were told. Understanding these tales can provide a historical context for the Slavic people's past.
- Artistic Appreciation: The book is adorned with illustrations that complement the tales, offering an artistic interpretation of the stories. These illustrations enhance the reading experience by bringing the characters and settings to life, allowing readers to appreciate the artistry that goes hand-in-hand with the storytelling.