This book is based on legends and folk stories of the German folk hero Thyl Owlmirror. The story reflects the events during the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish empire. This 16th century epic is compared to the stories of Don Quixote and Robin Hood by popularity. The main character of the story Thyl Ulenspiegel is a happy-to-go prankster, born with uncanny wit and spirit of observation. From the very childhood he exposes the ugly sides of people with humor, sarcasm, and mischief. All the childhood and early years Thyl amuses his closest with witty prank and jokes. Yet, one day, the tragedy enters his home. His father got accused for heresy and burned in fire. This sad event transforms Thyl. Now, he grows up and becomes a national leader in the revolt against the Spanish dictatorship.

The New York Times Best Historical Fiction of 2020 The Guardian's Best Fiction of 2020 Thrillist's Best Books of the Year Daniel Kehlmann transports the medieval legend of the trickster Tyll Ulenspiegel to the seventeenth century in an enchanting work of magical realism, macabre humor, and rollicking adventure. Tyll is a scrawny boy growing up in a quiet village until his father, a miller with a forbidden interest in alchemy and magic, is found out by the church. After Tyll flees with the baker’s daughter, he falls in with a traveling performer who teaches him his trade. As a juggler and a jester, Tyll forges his own path through a world devastated by the Thirty Years’ War, evading witch-hunters, escaping a collapsed mine outside a besieged city, and entertaining the exiled King and Queen of Bohemia along the way. The result is both a riveting story and a moving tribute to the power of art in the face of the senseless brutality of history. Translated from the German by Ross Benjamin

This is a new release of the original 1943 edition.

Charles De Coster's book "Flemish Legends" is an anthology of folktales and stories from the Belgian province of Flanders. De Coster vividly captures Flanders' rich cultural legacy and mythology in a sequence of engrossing tales. A wide range of characters, including bold heroes, crafty tricksters, and mythological creatures, are included in the book and are interwoven with enthralling and thought-provoking stories. "Flemish Legends" gives readers an insight into Flemish mythology and customs through the mythical exploits of till Eulenspiegel, a shrewd trickster, and the fantastical adventures of Reynard the Fox, a sly and cunning protagonist. De Coster leads readers to a world full of magic, intrigue, and moral lessons with her vivid storytelling and vibrant images. The bravery, humor, and resiliency that permeate the stories in "Flemish Legends" are a reflection of the Flemish people's values and beliefs. De Coster's writing captivates readers of all ages, whether she is narrating epic wars, comedic misadventures, or heartfelt love stories. This helps to preserve the ageless appeal and value of Flemish folklore for future generations.

First Published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

In the tradition of celebrated wartime storytellers Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene, Tan Twan Eng's debut novel casts a powerful spell. The recipient of extraordinary acclaim from critics and the bookselling community, Tan Twan Eng's debut novel casts a powerful spell and has garnered comparisons to celebrated wartime storytellers Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. Set during the tumult of World War II, on the lush Malayan island of Penang, The Gift of Rain tells a riveting and poignant tale about a young man caught in the tangle of wartime loyalties and deceits. In 1939, sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton-the half-Chinese, half-English youngest child of the head of one of Penang's great trading families-feels alienated from both the Chinese and British communities. He at last discovers a sense of belonging in his unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Philip proudly shows his new friend around his adored island, and in return Endo teaches him about Japanese language and culture and trains him in the art and discipline of aikido. But such knowledge comes at a terrible price. When the Japanese savagely invade Malaya, Philip realizes that his mentor and sensei-to whom he owes absolute loyalty-is a Japanese spy. Young Philip has been an unwitting traitor, and must now work in secret to save as many lives as possible, even as his own family is brought to its knees.