Best-Loved Folktales of the World

This collection of over two hundred folk and fairy tales from all over the world is the only edition that encompasses all cultures. Arranged geographically by region&#151;West and East Europe British Isles Scandinavia and Northern Europe Middle East Asia the Pacific Africa North America the Carribean and West Indies and Central and South America&#151;and lovingly selected from the personal favorites of folklorists and writers this book is a major anthology in its field.<br>Gathered together in this wide-ranging collection are familiar classics like Snow-White and Sleeping Beauty and stories that equal them from all major cultures. Together they offer magic adventure laughter reflection vivid images and a throng of colorful characters. More important they offer insight into the oral traditions of different cultures and deal with universal human dilemmas that span differences of age culture and geography. Animal fables proverbs ghost &#160;stories funny tales and tales of enchantment provide a unique reading experience for all ages.<br>A category index groups the tales by plot and character e.g. humorous supernatural and pourquoi tales married couples enchanted sweethearts etc. Like all great literature these tales can be read with fascination on many levels making <i>Best-Loved Folktales of the World </i>a classic and enduring collection.