Reproduction of the original: Georgian Folk Tales by Marjory Wardrop

Reproduction of the original: Georgian Folk Tales by Marjory Wardrop

Full of third sons, talking birds, enchanted places, beautiful women and impossible journeys, these charmingly illustrated stories have a magic-realist, almost absurd quality, and they are told and translated with enough shamanstvo to keep you reading. In his introduction and extensive accompanying gloss, Michael Berman skilfully locates them in their historical, religious, storytelling and shamanic contexts with a scholarship that is both thorough and accessible, making it complementary to the reader's enjoyment. A nice collection. David Ronder

These tales range from the supernatural to the romantic and from the sacred to the secular. A celebration of American imagination, tradition, and manners, this collection of folktales reveals the spirit of people who responded to the demands of rural living with grace, good humor, and endurance.

Georgian Folk Tales by the anonymous author is a captivating collection of traditional stories passed down through generations in the region of Georgia. The book is filled with enchanting tales of mythical creatures, brave heroes, and supernatural events, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Georgian people. The author's storytelling style is engaging and filled with vivid imagery, making the tales come to life on the pages. This book is a valuable resource for those interested in folklore and the oral traditions of the Caucasus region, providing insights into the beliefs and values of the Georgian people. Georgian Folk Tales is a literary gem that showcases the creativity and imagination of anonymous storytellers from the past. It serves as a window into a world of magic and wonder, inviting readers to explore the unique cultural landscape of Georgia through its timeless stories.

The Caucasus has an extremely rich folk literature, almost unknown among English speakers, which includes myths, legends, magical tales, anecdotes and proverbs. The one hundred and one legends included in this book reflect the cultures of fourteen different ethnic groups - their dynamism and the matters that concerned them: survival against external dangers, the risk of starvation and the persistence of the family or clan as a coordinated group. Descended from an oral tradition, much of their knowledge was retained in memories and passed down the generations. Yet, with the introduction of the alphabet, the way of life they portray is rapidly becoming extinct. An incomparable collection, Legends of the Caucasus conveys the poetry and romance of these swiftly vanishing tribes. 'This book has brought into light some of the hidden treasures of the Caucasus ... A major contribution not only to the study of the Caucasus, but also to world folklore.' John Colarusso, McMaster University, Canada 'Inventive and meticulous in rendering the extraordinary folk poetry of the many nations of the Caucasus ... [This is] essential reading for anyone seeking an insight into the cultures of the Caucasus.' Donald Rayfield, Queen Mary University of London, UK

Included in this work are transliterations of the Georgian alphabet; an introductory chapter providing an overview of the Georgian people and their culture as well as a detailed presentation of the structure of folk poetry and its relation to music and dance; and explanatory notes accompanying the poems that furnish the reader with some of the ethnographic background needed to interpret the poems and understand the contexts in which they were composed.