Mythology Books

Excellent introductory book on the acquisition of knowledge, with special emphasis on the reliability and utility of the scientific method. A must read for children. I would also recommend it to older adults who are lacking in knowledge concerning the scientific method and how sound logic and reasoning is applied.

Great book on teaching children how to think using logic and reason before coming to a conclusion. I think that this book or one just like it should be required for grade school kids. There are too many people seduced by superstitions, scams, and supernatural beings. Critical thinking classes are usually required in college, but not many people are given the chance to learn about the subject before that age. Most people hear about things like fortune telling, ghosts, and religions in childhood. Grade school is usually way before kids can make an educated conclusion about those topics unless they were taught to think critically early on in their education. The book has great true examples to illustrate how believing that supernatural things like demons or witches really exist can be dangerous.

This is a wonderful book about scientific thinking for kids older than 10. Warning to parents: this book does a number on Santa! My son (younger and not yet de-mythed) enjoyed the book immensely. I read it to him and skipped the offending paragraphs. Had the author skipped the Santa stuff this book would be great for gifted/talented kids who are much younger -- the writing is that clear and engaging!

This is an excellent book. It really does a number on superstition! I can't imagine anyone reading this book would still be superstitious. And since far too many people waste time and money on superstition (I couldn't believe one of our PRESIDENTS would change his schedule based on superstition), putting the axe in this kind of thinking at a young age, would benefit everybody (as the book so well explains).

My 8 year old was very curious about this book. I could let her read some of it, but since she has not yet learned division and multiplication, the section on probability would be completely lost on her, which is a shame, since the probability theory so well explains unusual events. This is important, since so many superstitious people would attribute the unusual events to something superstitious; using probability to explain these events defuses their so-called "proofs".

My daughter will have to wait for a while, but she will definitely read it when she is older (and so will my other - younger - daughters). This is a must for every schoolkid 10 or older (actually, it's a must for just about anybody with any superstitious tendencies, including those who believe in horoscopes).

HOW DO WE KNOW IT'S TRUE by Hy Ruchlis. Far and away the best of the best of new releases for teaching critical thinking to young people. Actually, this is for anybody, young or old, who still has a tendency to flirt with any form of superstition or fairy-tale thinking or is curious why other people do so. Ruchlis patiently leads the reader through an appreciation of science as a way of thinking about the world we live in. A short history of superstitions and the occasional horrors attributed to magical thinking (e.g., fear and persecution of "witches)" are provided, along with a delightful and entertaining commentary on astrology as an example of worseness tendencies in contemporary mental processes. Highlights include an explanation of science as a way of thinking critically, with examples of how facts are discovered. Vital to an understanding of why there is so much superstition and other forms of magical thinking is to know the history of religious repression of free thought, with stories about the struggles of such heroes of science as Nicolas Copernicus, Giordano Bruno, Galileo Galilei and the framers of our own Bill of Rights in 1789. By the way, the photos and illustrations are also terrific. But, it's words like the following that lead me to urge that you check this one out if you want to incorporate CT into wellness: "All of us stand on the shoulders of giants. Every bit of food we eat, the clothes we wear, the houses we live in and anything else we know how to make or do today would not be possible without the knowledge given to us by people who lived in the past. We must be ever grateful to the many thousands of people, past and present, who made it all possible. What part of these great accomplishments has been contributed by the superstitious way of thinking? Absolutely nothing. The belief in fairy-tale magichas blocked attempts to explain how and why things happen. Today it is a lazy person's excuse to avoid thinking about why things happen."

This is a gem of a book for anyone even remotely interested in American UFOlogy. It gives a nice cross-section, from the more sinister cult-type movements to earnest characters with their own home made mini-SETIs. Its a coffee-table book and the text, whilst complementing the photos, also serves as something of an introduction for the uninitiated. Glad I got this, will treasure it!

Curran's "In Advance of the Landing..." is a singular book that explores the mythological basis of the UFO phenomenon. Less concerned with the 'proof' of whether or not UFOs exist, Curran sets out to show that the impact of the belief in flying saucers and extraterrestrials (all of them much more clever and wise than mere earthlings) is pervasive and sits entirely within the continuum of Judea-Christianity beliefs.
A revised mythology for a new technological age is beautifully rendered through Curran's photographs and words.

IN ADVANCE OF THE LANDING is a sensitively written and photographed testimony of how far we will go to have something--anything--to hope for. I find myself looking again and again at the pictures and stories of people who labor in workshops or in empty fields building rockets and flying saucers, people who await the landing of extraterrestrials they KNOW are coming soon. This subject is as worthy of serious study as any religion, and you don't have to look hard to see how closely these people's expectations parallel second comings, raptures, and apocalyptic salvation scenarios of better-known religions. As ludicrous as some of the believers are (Ariel, the "queen" of the Unarian religon who dresses like a fairy godmother, a tiara atop her bubble hairdo) I came away with renewed fascination for and frustration at our capacity to believe. An excellent artifact of our times.

I've read virtually every UFO book that's come out over the past 40+ years, and this remains one of my all-time favorites. I have the original softbound edition, which has become a cult classic and now goes for something like $100. This is more of a sociological document than a UFO book. It perfectly captures the entire spectrum of quirky characters involved in the UFO field, and the photographs are an absolute hoot. I return to this book time and again just for a laugh and to remind myself that there are nuttier people in the UFO field than me. There's nothing condescending about the authors' treatment of their subjects, however. They obviously have a genuine fondness for them -- and you will, too. This is a "must have" for anyone with an interest in UFOs.

This is an excellent book which combines good journalism with excellent photography. Once you pick it up its hard to put it down. The book is facinating but at the same time alarming because the people in it are real. Mr. Curran gives an excellent and frank portrayal of the people who hold to the reality of UFO's and their occupants. He presents them, without any judgement, in an accurate a manner as possible. You can clearly see the bankrupcy of their beliefs. It is a sad but truthful commentary of the manner in which a human being can choose to waste his life.

I absolutely loved this book. It is wonderful to read stories about strong and diverse women. I am giving it out as holiday presents to everyone this year. I reccomend this book to everyone!

My men's book club chose this book as its nonfiction selection of the month. 7 of 8 men felt that the book added to their appreciation of women's issues. The presentation--folktales paired with short essays on strong contemporary women--gave insights we felt to be valuable.

What a great idea! In Full Bloom pairs folktales from all over the world with vignettes about real women--real, mature women. Each folktale/vignette exemplifies a certain trait or common experience of mature women, such as "Protecting Our Daughters" (Demeter and Persephone/Elizabeth Morgan) and "Breaking Free of Convention" (Lilith/Mae West).

Additionally, the book is broken up into two sections, Roses and Not Roses. The Roses are the traditional women, or women acting in traditional roles, while the Not Roses are untraditional women. Creeden doesn't denigrate or glorify either--she celebrates them equally and shows the reader the best sides of those roles.

Finally, Creeden includes a comprehensive collection of notes, which I particularly liked. I'm interested in folklore, so the notes gave me a good starting place for more research.

I have no problem recommending this book to everyone. Just because it's about mature women doesn't mean only they will appreciate it!

What a delightful book! I laughed and cried. Ms. Creeden has been able to connect folktale and legend to lives of real people. Her choices are so varied we are treated to ancient tales as well as urban stories -- Women who are "Roses" and "Not Roses", well known and unknown. In doing so, she captures the essence of women's struggles and joys with both insight and wit! A good read and great examples for our own journeys!

I absolutely loved this book. It is wonderful to read stories about strong and diverse women. I am giving it out as holiday presents to everyone this year. I reccomend this book to everyone!

I own the 1970, 24 volume, set. I haven't seen the revised editions, but I'm sure they can only make a good set better. Although this set is comprehensive in that it covers a wide range of subjects, it is not exhaustive and is not intended to be. Only key elements or highlights of each subject are presented and a bibliography is provided for those who want to research deeper. This set is probably the definitive introduction to the field of the supernatural and related subjects and it is profusely illustrated with artwork, photographs, diagrams and charts. Some of the pictures are graphic and some contain gore and nudity, so I recommend this set only for mature readers. - Brad Clark

I too will refer to the 1970 edition of the encyclopaedia set (I was lucky to be able to purchase the set recently are a relatively low price) as I have yet to see later editions. I was fortunate to have come across this set in my local library as a youth and recently purchased a set of my own after an exhaustive search. Unlike so many childhood memories who's colours fade with age and experience, the joy I have when I read from this set is as vibrant as it was in my youth, though now I can also appreciate Man, Myth and Magic from a more intellectual vantage.

Man, Myth and Magic explores the realms of religion, spirituality, psychology and the occult. Articles within the 24 volume set range from the obscure (Wandering Bishops and various manifestations of witchcraft hysterias) to the very well known (articles on major world religions). The authors tend to be experts in their respective fields of research and are, by and large, objective in the treatment of their subjects. There are, however, some writers who have a vested interest what they write about - the article on Druidism contains two articles, one written by an historian which focuses on the known history of druids through contemporary writers (such as Julius Caesar) and archaeology, the other written by a "modern" druid who speaks of the modern incarnation of druidism. In most cases this is appropriate and as the credulous is contrasted with the objective skeptic I'm okay with this treatment. Unfortunately in a few cases there is no counterbalance. For example, in the section entitled "The Frontiers of Belief" is an article written about H.P. Lovecraft. The author surmises that Lovecraft's short stories and poems must have been inspired by real, other worldly creatures, a claim that Lovecraft himself would scoff at. Still, despite rare instances of overly credulous authors, Man, Myth and Magic tends towards the objective examination of man kind's belief systems, be they mystical or based on science.

If you manage to find the complete set, no small feat I might add, you would do well to pick this set up.

It's great set of books, with about every strange thing you could want to read about. It's interesting, and it doesn't push it's words on you. It leaves room for you to decide how you feel about it. I really love the palmistry section. I would (and do) recommend it to anyone interested in man, myth, and magic.

Beautifully put together. Just a totallyy awesome encyclopedia for the unknown and more!

This set of encyclopedias is entertaining as well as informative, with photos and illustrations of great points in religious and supernatural history. No critique could ever do this set of books justice.

-michael anthony crawford, High School Student

Joie Davidow's telling of Aztec history is mesmerizing. When she draws her conclusion that had the Aztecs survived, their herbal medicines would rival those of the Chinese, I was totally convinced. Finding this book while looking for books on herbal tea was a stroke of luck. And, while the Mexicans may have as many herbs in their medicine chests as the Chinese, this book concentrates on about 200 or so of the most commonly found and used. I have always felt that we should make use of the herbs that grow around us instead of trying to grow those from another region. So I was excited to find a book about southwestern herbs. What I didn't expect was how many plants were included that were NOT from the Mexican area or even the southwest. It shows that her research is up to date on what herbs are being used by the Mexicans for medicinal purposes today. Particularly useful is the extensive lists of names given for each plant. Common names vary so much from region to region that it can be difficult to locate the correct herb for the healing tea recipe. Not only are we given several Mexican names for the plants but also the Nahuatl or Aztec name. Almost every imaginable ailment is listed and which single or combined herbs should be used. Easy to use and handy to have this book is also fascinating just to read.

As I am studying to become an herbalist, this is a very educational book. I like the idea that the author gives you the name of the herb in spanish, english, nahuatl, and mayan. I definately recommend this book to people with an open mind and who love to heal naturally.

I bought this book unseen and I am so happy to have done so. This book is a virtual treasure trove of practical herbalism and folk healing. There are many herbs listed with traditional uses, great tables of correspondance and my favorite part is a small section on some of the folk saints found in curanderismo. I am very glad to own this book and will treasure it for many years.

I have studied under a curandero, and this just adds more to my education. There are plenty of books out there about herbalism from around the world, and it is about time that CURANDERISMO gets recognition...thank you Joie!

For many years popular North American herbals were Eurocentric. It is enriching, valuable and timely that "Infusions of Healing: A Treasury of Mexican American Herbal Medicine" has been introduced to the public. As an herbalist I welcome the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the traditional uses, botanical names and history of herbs by Mexican Americans, Mexicans and indigenous Americans, among others. Davidow's book is comprehensive, thoughtful and engaging. The style of the illustrations make them the perfect companions to the text. I put "Infusion of Healing" at the top of the list of essential modern herbals for it's outstanding contribution to cross-cultural knowledge of herbal practices.

This book is a great tool for bringing the personalities of classical mythology to life for young readers. It's an easy, fun, well-styled read, and I have the feeling some kids will revisit the book when they're older, at which point they'll discover elements of sophistication that may have been beyond their youth. That's a good thing. I agree that the cover art is strange; it's comic book feel is belied by the novel's rich content. Iris, Messenger is a winner.

Yes, it's another Greek pantheon novel (no doubt attempting to capitalize on the success of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series). It's distinctive, though, because the voice is so good. Witty, light; this book moves fast. The plot is a little slight and episodic, but the told stories (several deities relate their back stories) are wonderful. And the dynamic between Iris and her soybean-ologist mom is terrific.

One thing that bothered me is the cover (and I know the author has no control over this; her publisher could have done better by her). The girl, Iris, is the protagonist, yet the cover features a character who, while somewhat important to the plot, is peripheral. And male. Iris protags, why not have her as the central actor on the cover? Even so, I'll definitely look for more from this author, with the hopes that she takes on something more substantial next time.

Iris, Messenger is a wonderful book for young and old alike! I thoroughly enjoyed the humanity she imbued into the Greek Gods as well as all the splashes of Philly in the book! A definite must-have for your library. Can't wait for her next book:)

Iris Messenger is a fantastic book. It was a page turner from the beginning top the end! I love Greek gods and goddesses and this book had them in a present day setting. The book continued to WOW! me from beginning to end! LOVE IT!

In "Iris, Messenger" we meet wonderfully flawed gods and goddesses in suburban east coast America. This short novel is a wonderful vehicle to get reacquainted with Greek mythology. Sarah Deming's clever retelling of ancient stories enable me to recall the myths much more than I ever did in my 6th grade English class.

Iris suffers the Sturm and Drang of many modern preadolescents and adolescents. This book effectively weaves 21st century concerns of how we search for meaning in our lives with stories that have held up for eons. When I reached the end of the book I realized I had been hoping for redemption of these mythic characters. The book's conclusion reminded me that transformation occurs in quieter, individual ways.

This book is written for "10 and up" and this does not convey what a gem this novel is for all ages. Highly recommended for everyone you know who is attracted to mythology and great storytelling.

JPII was a man that knew what was going on. His mind pierces through much of the nowadays rubbish that soils our world. In the name of Faith and Reason, the late pope's work comes forth like lightning from heaven.

This is a new and expanded version of the original volume published by in 1892 under the title "Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry." It was subsequently re-titled, "Irish Fairy and Folk Tales," and has seen several editions from different publishers.
This edition, with an illuminating forward by Paul Muldoon, also has other additions that help the reader penetrate the sometimes dense and archaic language. If I had to choose between the original edition and this one, I would definitely choose this one. The main body of the book is identical to the original.
Both Yeats and Lady Gregory were especially concerned that the best of the tales from the Irish countryside be preserved before their main purveyors, the Shenaches (storytellers) vanished. Those collected here are a varied lot, and not all of them will appeal to every reader. That, however, does not affect their value at all, for here a way of life is preserved and we can look through a small window into the beliefs and habits of the Irish people in the days when the "Fairy Faith" was still common amongst them. It is probably best not to read the collection straight through, but rather peruse it, selecting from it that which most appeals.
Yeats's singular contribution is the dividing the denizens of the Irish Enchanted Countryside into categories: The Trooping Fairy, The Solitary Fairy, the Sociable Fairy, etc, together with Ghosts, Witches, Giants and the like. Within each "type" there are essays, songs, poems, hearsay, histories ... in short, something to appeal to every taste, as long as that taste has a goodly sampling of fancy about it.
These fairies are not the gossamer winged, luminous beings of Victorian paintings. These fairies are as likely to curse as to bless and it does not benefit the unwary or skeptical to offend them. Here are pookas, leprechauns, far darrig, Ban-Shees, and lanawn-shees.
These creatures were ever present to the Irish peasantry, and were forgotten with the industrialization of modern times. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Yeats and others like him, much of this world was preserved for us.
Some of the stories and poems retain their Irish intonation and syntax and may be difficult for some to follow, but patience will be rewarded; One can almost "hear" the storyteller and the bard.
This is a volume well worth going back to again and again.

In this delightful volume, first published in 1892, William Butler Yeats has collected all manner of Irish folklore (mostly short stories, with a few poems) from a wide variety sources. He has divided the works into categories as follows: the "Trooping Fairies" (fairies, changelings, and the "merrow" or mermaids); the "Solitary Fairies" (the lepracaun, the pooka - an animal spirit, and the banshee); "Ghosts"; "Witches & Fairy Doctors"; "T'yeer-na-n-Oge" or "Tir-na-n-Og" (a legendary island said to appear and disappear); "Saints & Priests"; "The Devil"; "Giants"; and "Kings / Queens / Princesses / Earls / Robbers." Yeats introduces each section with background information on the creature the stories in that category will concern. He also includes numerous footnotes of interest, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn about the tradition of Irish folklore.

While I have given this anthology a five-star rating based on it's value as a source of information on Irish mythology, it would probably be worth only four stars for entertainment value alone. Some of the stories are very short and/or don't have much of a point, and are less interesting. These tend to serve more as testimony to the nature of a particular mythical being rather than being an actual story with a plot and message for the reader. Nevertheless, the book as a whole offers a very comprehensive look at just what defines Irish folk culture. The stories that do have a point sometimes take the form of "how things came to be this way" tales, or provide a moral lesson, etc. Many of the stories are rather dark, as that tends to be the nature of lore from this region, but there are also some lighthearted and cheerful pieces.

Despite the book having been compiled more than one hundred years ago, most of the stories are quite easy to read. Yeats makes things even more simple for the reader by making footnotes where old Irish words or phrases are used, giving us their meaning. However, there are a few stories that have been left in a more archaic form, which is distracting and a bit harder to decipher. Take, for example, the following excerpt:

". . . the minit he puts his knife into the fish, there was a murtherin' screech, that you'd the life id lave you if you hurd it, and away jumps the throut out av the fryin'-pan into the middle o' the flure; and an the spot where it fell, up riz a lovely lady - the beautifullest crathur that eyes ever seen, dressed in white, and a band o' goold in her hair, and a sthrame o' blood runnin' down her arm" (pg. 46).

I should probably make note of the fact, for those whom it might interest, that although the title page says the book is "profusely illustrated," there are actually only a few pictures. I believe only six of the over seventy stories are illustrated, and these with simple (but nice), old-fashioned line drawings in black and white. However this is not really a criticism as I view it, since I like the book for its literary content and wouldn't really care if it had no pictures at all.

One of the things I enjoy most about literature is finding connections with other works I've read, and "Irish Fairy & Folk Tales" does not disappoint in this regard. Many of the pieces are derivations of other, more common fairy tales. For instance, "Smallhead and the King's Sons" (Ghosts / pg. 194) incorporates some elements from both "Cinderella" and "Hansel and Gretel," while "The Giant's Stairs" (Giants / pg. 355) has some similarities to the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk." There are more connections like this. On the whole I found this book to be very enjoyable, and also a valuable read from a literary / academic standpoint. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interesting in the history of Irish culture, the study of fairy tales and folklore, or both.

This absolutely charming collection of stories truly represents the best of "fairy" tales in which the fairy folk feature prominantly as well as a number of other folk beasties. WB Yeats has managed to capture all of the humor, fright, and love involved in the fairy world and it is a joy to follow him around in a world he seems to know so well.

Yeats has long been one of my favorite poets; however, I did not expect his re-telling of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales to be up to his poetry standard. With that said, let me say he does an excellent job re-telling these old stories and if you have any interest whatsoever in fairy tales or Irish Mythology, read this book. "The Trooping Fairies" and "Witches, Fairy Doctors" were 2 of my favorite chapters but overall the whole book is a delight to read. It's an easy read, some stories are funny, some are scary, but most are just entertaining. Also there are some poems mixed in with the stories which add to the story-telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I enjoyed this book immensely, but probably for the wrong reasons. The book is a bit chewy in places, but stick with it, as it's surprisingly enjoyable on it's own merits. On a more selfish, sadistic note, I had been mecilessly bludgeoned on a regulary basis by a work colleague, a second generation descendant of the Emerald Isle, with tales of Celtic martyrdom and Anglo tyranny, and none of which I felt I had the right to dispute. Then I read the book. After ten minutes of lively debate, challenging all he knew as 'fact', he has not spoken to me since. No-one had ever shut him up before. Heaven. But back to the point, I found this to be a rather good read.

Baby Cromwell, Nottingham, England

R. F. "Roy" Foster author of 'W. B. Yeats: The Apprentice Mage,' 'Charles Stewart Parnell: The Man and His Family' and 'Modern Ireland,' has written this experience and interpetation into Irish history and literature. He does a fine job of it. His bravery in massacring every sacred Irish cow as one would have fun reading it. It leaves you with a warm, passionate, giggly feeling. It's entertainingly brilliant look at the past and present Ireland. I particularly love the chapters and passages on Theme-parks & Histories (with some warning from Foster on expliotation); the chapters on Yeats; When the Newspapers Have Forgotten Me: Yeats, Obituarists and Irishness; Selling Irish Childhoods: Frank McCourt & Gerry Adams; and, Remembering 1798. They're totally smothered in clichés and lots of traditional tidbits of fond or fatal memories, known to some as the Irish experience.

Foster cleverly works moments of Ireland's past into narratives of Irish culture on myth, folklore, ghost stories and romance. The result is from a varied interpetation of opinionated and right down funny interlinking essays. In Theme-parks and Histories-Foster writes of the Irish are to remember or commemorate anything. It is worth remembering the upward curve of Irish cultural achievement-referring to W. B. Yeats, Hugh Leonard, Ezra Pound, Cashel Heritage Society and the 2,000-acre Famine Theme Park in Knockfierna Hill west of Limerick. Irish history, the most distinctive achievement for it. His suggestion to form a monument to Amnesia and forget where they put it. As a historian he would be shocked, but as an Irishman he would be attracted to the idea. Foster shows no mercy on his view of manipulating Irish history on political places and Irish poverty and oppression as a commerically packaged heritage park. His exploration of Yeats' authority of the Irish story's fitting moments as the voice of his Ireland countrymen.

Foster leaves teeth-marked criticism of Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes) and Gerry Adams and their devil may care attittude of taking hostages for fortune. Transcending into the bestsellerdom of Irish childhoods. Simply a technique of marketing where Irish version brag and whimper about the woes of their early years' experience. I find this to be an entertaining reading. In some places a bit wordy, but good telling of Irish culture. You may hate or love it. But, if your interest is in Irish history and literature it's quite essential.

Irish people of all persuasions and in all walks of life have developed a talent for building up a national history to their liking and drawing conclusions from it. Roy Foster's essays are about some of the ways in which Ireland's history has been interpreted, embroidered, exploited and packaged. I think everyone will agree there are cogent reasons for preserving the distinction between history and "national fiction". Ultimately, poor history makes poor propaganda, and propaganda in any case is a shabby use to put something as precious as a nation's history. This book is essential reading for people with an interest in Ireland. (I also recommend strongly the same author's earlier "Modern Ireland 1600-1972".)

This book ought to be on the shelf of anyone with an interest in Irish history. Foster has done an excellent job at making his points about the various 'uses' that history in Ireland has been employed for. From downright propaganda to 'memoirs' masquerading as vague truths he unleashes the power of clear thinking and valid sources. For so long Irish history has been treated as 'story' and this book attempts and succeeds in telling the difference. It is so refreshing to see something sensible in print! It is a great source book or reference and could also be read by delving into the different subjects in the index. I would recommend this for all who are involved in getting to know the real history of Ireland and the Irish and how some Irish 'history' came to be written in the first place.

Porter's tongue-in-cheek treatment of the marketing of Ireland is refreshing after an avalanche of Irish hype came from unscrupulous little publishers.The Disneynification of Ireland ,apparently propelled by American ad agencies for the Irish Tourist Board,is treated by Porter correctly as hype to snare innocent Irish-Americans.Porter gets almost every hilarious Irish twist of recent decades in this collection of exposes, including the hilarious, almost unbelievable marketing of the potato famine in Disney-like theme parks.Unfortunately, he closed his collection of revionist chapters without pointing to the biggest Irish hype of all -the invention and collapse of " The Celtic Tiger", based on runaway inflation and a Dublin stock market bubble that aped the rise and fall of America's Nasdaq.Foster's book is a must if you wish a clearer view of the Irish .

I ordered this book here, because it was sold out at another shop when I went to pick it up. It will be a Hannukah gift.

I don't know all that much about Judaism, as I'm not Jewish. But it looks to be a very good story and should make my friend smile, and perhaps learn something he maybe didn't know.

Alot of times, I am very pleased with Amazon. They often have products that are discontinued or unavailable elsewhere. It's a great alternative to sitting there, hoping something comes back on a shelf.

Great work!

This is a beautiful book and the stories are very unique and inspiring. Being Gentile they are new sotries to me but I am sure to those of the Jewish faith a treasury of long know and loved stories. The illustration are fantastic and I cannot say enough about having this book in my home. Not a book you sit and read strait thru but savor over tiem.

A must have for a wel rounded library.

This is a very pleasant and well- done work. The combination of art work and literary selections provides interest and entertainment. This is not however a scholarly work, and does not explore any of its themes in real depth. It is the kind of book which can be dipped in, and tasted usually with delight. Of the various table- book anthologies on Jewish culture that have appeared in the past ten years or so, this is certainly one of the best.

This book is an amazing work. I can read it again and again for hours!
If you are interested in folktales, this book is for you.
If you are interested in art, this book is for you.
If you are interested in great literature, this book is for you.

A great book with beatuful art and incredable stories. From folk tales to modren setings, this book has lots of stories to warm your heart. I loved it and highly recommand it.

My grandmother gave this book to be years ago and it sat in my closet for a long time. I never realized how interested I would become in stuff like this until the last few years. This collection of Finish folktales, mythology, and magic and the such is a very interesting read. Not a whole lot is known about this. Most of the tales and legends were spread by word of mouth throughout the snowy and forest filled country throughout time. I love reading these translations alooking at the pictures. I came upon this book again while searching through my closet the other day and I started to look at it again instead of finding what I was looking for. I wish my grandmother was still alive so I could thank her for this.

I read Friberg's translation, along with every other available one in English, as research for my picture book retelling "The Maiden of Northland." Friberg's was simply the best, by far.

This translation if folksy and sensitive to the feel of the original. Although not encumbered with scholarly precision, it is right on the mark for continuing the ancient tradtions of the Finns. This was a major resource for me in the writing of my book Finnish Magic. The illustrations too are delightful

Friberg does a good job of translating the Kalevala into a readable English form. The Kalevala is a collection of 'Runos' or poems that were sung by storytellers. Friberg's translation is of the spirit of the stories. Some translations have tried to translate both the verse and the story making both dry and uninteresting. Frieberg concentrates on making the story read well in current English.

The extras to this edition make it worth the price. It is beautifully illustrated by Bjorn Landstrom--ALMOST, but not quite, comparable to the old edition illustrated by Gallen-Kallela. In the preface Friberg describes the impact the publication of the Kaleva had on the the development of a national identity for the Finnish people. A separate section describes the structure of the epic poem and the underlying motifs. The introduction details a history of the English translations (Porters [2], Crawford, Magoun, Kirby). Friberg's translation is in a freer form which does not follow the traditional numbering of the runes, BUT there are corresponding numbers to the traditional which refer to a "Notes" section which also includes explanatory notes. There is a glossary with many Finnish translations of individual English words. Remarkably, due to an accident, Friberg had a gradual loss of sight. He attended a school for the blind, then a public high school and then Harvard. He spoke Finnish as a second language and had committed to memory much of the Kaleva. Unlike earlier editions which were translated from the German, he was able to translate his work directly from the Finnish language. All these "extras" make this book well worth the price.