Mythology and Folklore Books

One is most reminded of those Field Guides to insects, flowers or birds written for those who engage in bird-watching, amateur entomology, or hiking. This is nothing less than a Field Guide to the World of Fairy, one that is small enough to be spirited away in a bush-jacket pocket, just in case one desires to get a binocular and go fairy-watching. However, I would not advise taking a butterfly net; one must always approach the fairies with respect.
The book is divided into the general history of fairies, touching upon manifestations of the wee folk in most cultures, then settles down to the race of fairies that are specific to Ireland. She provides accounts of the nature of the fairy folk, the most dominant trait of which is living entirely in the present with no care for either past or future, and a devotion to the pleasures of their immortal lives.
Treating the world of faerie in so serious a fashion, as if one were discussing the genetic structure of the mushroom is perhaps the greatest achievement of Carolyn White's A History of Irish Fairies. Ms. White, a Ph.D in Literature, manages to treat the subject with respect and scholarship without ever once putting tongue to cheek. The tone of the book throughout is academic, but not dry or tiresomely detailed.
What is most helpful is her listing of what to do when one encounters the fairies (Putting a steel needle in your collar is always a good protection.) again quite without anything that would suggest that she is taking the subject anything but seriously. A whole section of the book is a guide to relations between fairies and mortals in which she states," To disbelieve in them is the worst offense of all. Modern man lacks the leisure time to encounter fairies; absorbed in his own affairs, he moves too fast to discover the immortal languor of the good people. It is understandable that mortals infrequently meet fairies ... but it is inexcusable for mortals to be so arrogant as to believe they do not exist."
The faeries are divided, as Yeats did, into the Trooping Faeries and the Solitaries, with most of the book devoted to the former although not labeled as such. She describes traits that unite each type, describes their individual denizens. Among the solitaries are the Ban-Shee, the Pucka and of course the ubiquitous Leprechaun.
So, if you are of a mind to step in to a fairy circle or sit on a fairy mound seeking a vision, A History of Irish Fairies would be a good, if not a necessary companion.

Both informed and informative, Carolyn White's A History Of Irish Fairies takes the reader on a fascinating survey of the fairy world of Irish folklore, mythology, and legend. Readers will learn just exactly what a fairy is, the meaning of fairy names, the diverse variety of fairies, fairy locations, what they eat, where they live, the fairy celebrations of May Eve, Midsummer's Eve, November Eve, and Tir-na-n-Og, as well as just what happens when a fairy and a mortal fall in love. A History Of Irish Fairies is especially commended for both personal and academic Metaphysical and Mythology library collections.

Although I wouldn't call this book "scholarly" due to its lack of citations, the author is quite knowledgable and holds a PhD in Comparative Literature. She provides an excellent starting point for those who would like to know more about faeries, whether it be for mystical or mundane purpose (I highly recommend it for Faery Seekers.) This book is an easy to read and a wonderful overview of Irish faerie lore which can provide direction for more study.

If nothing else, this is an extraordinarily beautiful book. Holding it and browsing through the chapters is almost magic in itself. The artwork is stunning, from rich reproductions of medieval art that not only enhance the text but contain stories of their own, to more contemporary works such as Alan Lee's Grail Knight and Thomas Gotch's Girl Enthroned. Looking at the age-old symbols on these pages fires the imagination and unleashes an unused, forgotten part of the brain (it's a must-have for artists and writers). Although scholars might argue with some of Godwin's assertions (for example, that the Cathar heretics were familiar with Tarot cards), the author does a phenomenal job of tying together many seemingly disparate elements of mysticism in a way that makes immediate sense. Being scholarly isn't the point; this kind of synthesis in which one takes what has gone before and remixes it with current thinking is what evolution is all about. Godwin's explanation of how the Grail legends grew out of the spiritual and political culture of the Middle Ages deserves contemplation. It is not just history; it is a commentary on the times in which we live. In providing a healing formula for changing centuries-old habits and patterns that have resulted in a dysfunctional society and the destruction of our natural world, Godwin is laying the groundwork for a transformational process, one that is independent of religion, nationality or social class. If this all sounds too New Age-y for you, then just enjoy the pretty pictures and the history of one of the most enduring legends of all time. The tales of King Arthur and the Quest for the Holy Grail are still among the most entertaining stories anywhere. I double dare you, however, to remain unchanged after reading this book. One doesn't so much read it as experience it. And it's a downright uncanny experience. If the Holy Grail exists, here is your map to find it.

Although the book is a little scanty at first. Things became more clearer in the ending.. I liked the punchline at the end of the book, as it clearly demonstrates what we (humanity) have forgotten. This is definetly not scholarly work, one should be aware of that. But the message it sends about how women have been treated through history, and our unquestioning behaviour about our social system, should require a listening to. I read Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach shortly after i read this book, and found it to be really inspirational both spiritualy and mentally. I also found Malcolms book to be a bit New Age'y, but still i found to be really universal in it's message.

I am a little disturbed at Kirkus Reviews' and others' statement that this is not a scholarly work. Don't be fooled. Mr. Godwin is clearly a master of the source material and has presented it in the context most likely to impart understanding to an open-minded reader. His sources and related materials are included in an extensive bibliography. The maps, diagrams, and broad, beautiful selection of artworks are the result of obviously deep and careful study. Typography and page ornaments are selected and placed to harmonize with the text and graphics with a discernment rare in our age. If this is not the result of "scholarship," the word has no meaning. Anyone with more than a passing interest in art, history, literature, or religion should have this book.

What is tragedy and how does it work? These are questions you will understand better after reading this book. Set sometime in the second half of the 19th century, the story concerns the fortunes of the Gourlay family in the small Scottish town of Barbie. John Gourlay, a big, domineering, but intellectualy challenged man dominates the local economy and has a monopoly of the carrying trade. He is harsh and powerful, of bull-like stature, and famous for his glower. On a brae overlooking Barbie he has built the House wIth the Green Shutters. This house is both the symbol of his dominance and an object of hatred and envy to the townsfolk.

Aristotle defined tragedy as a story depicting the downfall of a great man. At first it is hard to see this stupid, cruel, and grasping merchant as a great man, but The House With the Green Shutters will also improve your notions of what greatness is. John Gourlay is great because there is no fear or compromise in him. Although he may wish to be well thought of by the small-minded, two-faced gossips of the town, he is not prepared to go one inch out of his way for them, scorning even the banal pleasantries of small talk or phatic communication. He wants only their respect not their love, and respect him they do even though they also hate him.

With all true tragedy the tragic element comes directly from the greatness. It is his greatness that destroys John Gourlay. His stubborn pride and unflinching courage are qualities more suited to some heroic age of battles and revolutions. They do not fit into the petty, hypocritical world of 19th century Scotland. In this unheroic world his heroic qualities can only work towards his downfall. The thought constantly in one's mind as you read this novel is, 'If only he were a lesser man . . .' His inability to compromise by lowering himself to the same level as his fellow citizens, works to his disadvantage. Unable to plot, maneuver, and dissemble, his little empire is soon undermined by the arrival in town of Wilson, a glib self-seeking nobody with no real passion, but a much abler businessman in tune with the times. Affable and manipulative, false and corrupt he starts to squeeze Gourlay out of one thing after another. This is ,in effect, the triumph of style over substance that so bedevils our modern age. Although grim, proud and dour, Gourlay is an honest man, inept at chicanery, and unable to bend to suit the occasion.

The House With the Green Shutters is a tragedy in the full classical Greek sense of the word; the preordained fall of a hero who doesn't fit into an unheroic world; a great bull sacrificed to appease the Gods for human hubris. It is even more poignant from the fact that its keynote of tragedy was reflected in the life of its young author who had the misfortune to die only one year after writing such a masterpiece.

What is tragedy and how does it work? These are questions you will understand better after reading this book. Set sometime in the second half of the 19th century, the story concerns the fortunes of the Gourlay family in the small Scottish town of Barbie. John Gourlay, a big, domineering, but intellectualy challenged man dominates the local economy and has a monopoly of the carrying trade. He is harsh and powerful, of bull-like stature, and famous for his glower. On a brae overlooking Barbie he has built the House wIth the Green Shutters. This house is both the symbol of his dominance and an object of hatred and envy to the townsfolk.

Aristotle defined tragedy as a story depicting the downfall of a great man. At first it is hard to see this stupid, cruel, and grasping merchant as a great man, but The House With the Green Shutters will also improve your notions of what greatness is. John Gourlay is great because there is no fear or compromise in him. Although he may wish to be well thought of by the small-minded, two-faced gossips of the town, he is not prepared to go one inch out of his way for them, scorning even the banal pleasantries of small talk or phatic communication. He wants only their respect not their love, and respect him they do even though they also hate him.

With all true tragedy the tragic element comes directly from the greatness. It is his greatness that destroys John Gourlay. His stubborn pride and unflinching courage are qualities more suited to some heroic age of battles and revolutions. They do not fit into the petty, hypocritical world of 19th century Scotland. In this unheroic world his heroic qualities can only work towards his downfall. The thought constantly in one's mind as you read this novel is, 'If only he were a lesser man . . .' His inability to compromise by lowering himself to the same level as his fellow citizens, works to his disadvantage. Unable to plot, maneuver, and dissemble, his little empire is soon undermined by the arrival in town of Wilson, a glib self-seeking nobody with no real passion, but a much abler businessman in tune with the times. Affable and manipulative, false and corrupt he starts to squeeze Gourlay out of one thing after another. This is ,in effect, the triumph of style over substance that so bedevils our modern age. Although grim, proud and dour, Gourlay is an honest man, inept at chicanery, and unable to bend to suit the occasion.

The House With the Green Shutters is a tragedy in the full classical Greek sense of the word; the preordained fall of a hero who doesn't fit into an unheroic world; a great bull sacrificed to appease the Gods for human hubris. It is even more poignant from the fact that its keynote of tragedy was reflected in the life of its young author who had the misfortune to die only one year after writing such a masterpiece.

In his story of the downfall of an arrogant and essentially stupid man, George Douglas Brown is relentlessly unsentimental. His portrait of life in a tiny Scottish town in the late 1800's leaves the reader with no illusions about the narrow-mindedness of the inhabitants. Bleak as their existence is, the novel is not depressing, but fascinating. While many readers will have trouble with the dialect of the speakers (the narration is standard English), the effort required to "translate" is well rewarded.

The foundation of all these stories is kindness and compassion. They touch something deep inside that says "Ahh, this is right, this is how we should truely live." This is by far the best book of "childrens" stories I have ever read. I enjoyed them at least as much as my children.

I've been reading this book to my children and they are finding them quite enjoyable. There are lots of stories here and we typically read a story before bedtime. My 6 year old finds some of the stories difficult to understand -- there are no pictures. My 10 year old always asks to be read a new story.

I'm not sure why I picked up this book and started reading it. For some reason I wasn't really expecting to like it - but by the time I finished it I was firmly convinced that it was one of the best books I've read all year, and one of the better books on buddhism I've ever read. The stories themselves are told in a very compelling and entertaining style - each and everyone was not only insightful and "meaningful" in a moral and ethical sense - but a lot of fun to read as well. The accompanying commentaries for each story are intellingently rendered, and really opened some doors for me in terms of the meaning of the stories.

This is a wonderful book "for all ages" as they say.

Professor Abimbola not only dissects the basic structure of the Odus, but his explanations of Ifa spirituality are unsurpassed in transparency and logic. If you are confused and looking for a knowledgeable guide to this ancient wisdom, this is what you need. Prof. Abimbola's English is as impeccable as his erudition, and the book is never heavy or unnecessarily complicated.

This book is a master work by a scholar of the first order. Mr Abimbola has complete command of his subject. In reading many work on the Ifa corpus this book is far and away the best. Do not cheat yourself out of the experience.

Many people are unaware of the magic of the Orishas. The
Europeansthat first encounterd this form of divination called it witch craft and mislabeled the greatness of it. In A dogmatic christainsoceity of today it seems more and more people are going back to pagan roots. Yoruba is a very old relgion in Africa, and possibly it does have connections to that of ancient kemetaka Egypt. I myself being a white person so enchanted by the nature of African spirtuality probally cannot turly understand the Orisha or how deep it goes for a person of African ancestry.
I do not practice this form of whorship,but I love the concepts of the relgion. The book is the Vedas,Bible,Ouran, Bhavagad Gita to those individuals that are dedicated to the divination of Ifa.
If you want to see the wisdom of an ancient people and relgion shine through please pick up this book.

I heard him read some of his poems tonight and they are absolutely amazing!! I bought the book and absolutely love it!!

this is the most gorgeous book i've ever seen, and it's a date book so it's completely versatile. it's the perfect size to put in your bag and bring with you. there's also a description of each of the 4 minor solstices with a poem or legend about it. each page is filled with beautiful poetry written in caligraphy paired with artwork. it's the best book i've ever seen, and since it isn't year specific (there aren't days of the week along with the dates) you can buy a new one every year and use it all over again!!!

I never thought that I would fine a book like this! It was absolutely amazing because it was written so well. It helped me a great deal in finding out about Celtic traditions, folklore, and many other things! If you are at all interested in Celtic folklore and would like a book that's easy to read and understand, this is the book for you! I promise, you won't be disappointed! Happy reading!

WYBIWYG what you believe is what you get; somehow this idea developed in my mind after studying intensely the Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology by Philip Wilkinson; fortunately my mind was flexible to the concepts of mythic images by virtue of my hero, Joseph Campbell, and by being a penpal with his co-author of Mythic Images, MJ Abadie; however i [small ego] was still a little unprepared to the individual diversity of who the idol was [is?] and exactly what they did or what the meaning of their image is in the current people holding those ancestral images; and these people may still reside in their ancestral homeland where the 'comfort' of sharing these common, though personalized, meanings with living elders, who may have spun the mythic web with childhood bedtime stories; and CERTAINLY unprepared for the INTENSE desire to defend ANY intellectual assault on the images or simply on the rebuff of NOT including that native people in a forum DEFINED to focus on a specific other native people ??? so in this milieu, i appreciated the simplicity and even generality of Wilkinson's definitions; stay flexible cultural anthropologists! LOL

If you enjoy reading myths and want to know more about the characters, god, animals, symbolism and cultures in which the myths are based, don't miss this excellent work.

Not only is the book filled with beautiful art, ancient relics and descriptions of all the characters you could ever wish to read about....you will know be able to look up your favorites in the wonderful index for quick reference.

The sections are divided into Western Asia, Ancient Egypt, India, China and Japan, The Classical World, Northern and Eastern Europe, The Americas, Africa, Australasia and Oceania.

If you are reading say, The Odyssey, you can look up "Poseidon, God of the Sea." You will find a description and picture.

A book that belongs in every Myth lovers collection.

You might also enjoy:

Myths and Legends by Neil Philip which has a magnificent picture of seductive sirens trying to lure Odysseus from his boat.
A First Book of Myths by Mary Hoffman for young readers
Signs & Symbols by Miranda Bruce-Mitford

~The Rebecca Review

WYBIWYG what you believe is what you get; somehow this idea developed in my mind after studying intensely the Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology by Philip Wilkinson; fortunately my mind was flexible to the concepts of mythic images by virtue of my hero, Joseph Campbell, and by being a penpal with his co-author of Mythic Images, MJ Abadie; however i [small ego] was still a little unprepared to the individual diversity of who the idol was [is?] and exactly what they did or what the meaning of their image is in the current people holding those ancestral images; and these people may still reside in their ancestral homeland where the 'comfort' of sharing these common, though personalized, meanings with living elders, who may have spun the mythic web with childhood bedtime stories; and CERTAINLY unprepared for the INTENSE desire to defend ANY intellectual assault on the images or simply on the rebuff of NOT including that native people in a forum DEFINED to focus on a specific other native people ??? so in this milieu, i appreciated the simplicity and even generality of Wilkinson's definitions; stay flexible cultural anthropologists! LOL

This mammoth volume (over 570 pages) truly is the Indians' own book. Natalie Curtis served as collector, editor, and arranger. The elegant and eloquent simplicity of the tales give testimony that these are the Native American's own words. Not only that, but since it was first published in 1905, these are the memories of chiefs, elders, and holy men that still remembered the old days and the old ways. Plus, the marvelous illustrations were all done by tribe members (except for the photographs) and really contribute to the overall magic of the whole. The songs are all authentic and are given in both English and the original tribal languages (with pronunciation guides.)

While not a comprehensive reference of all the tribes it does give a good range of peoples from the eastern coast, northern woodlands, plains, southwest, and pacific coast. The tribes included are: Wabanaki, Dakota, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Winnebago, Kwakiutl, Pima, Apache, Mohave-Apache, Yuma, Navaho, Zuni, San Juan, Acoma, Laguna, and Hopi.

This book is a great monument to all the peoples and their respective ways of life. It is proof that the social engineers and bureaucrats did not kill the spirit and culture of the rightful inhabitants of this land. As long as such a book exists the way back to the old, centered way of living can be tracked.

This is a moving book. Even Theodore Roosevelt was moved by the "depth and dignity" of Indian thought.

This is a monumental work of history. Thanks to the efforts of Natalie Curtis and other recorders in the early twentieth century, there are many songs and stories of American Indians which have not been lost. The 149 songs recorded (in their original language and in translation), the myths and legends, and the interviews are from tribes all over the United States. These groups include the Wabanaki, Dakota, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Winnebago, Kwakiutl, Pima, Apache, Mojave-Apache, Yuma, Navajo, Zuñi, San Juan, Acoma, Laguna, and Hopi. This is a reference book to be treasured.

Curtis begins this book with, "The Indians are the authors of this volume. ...... The work of the recorder (Curtis) has been but the collecting, edititng, and arranging of the Indians' contributions." The Indians' Book is a collection of "Authentic Native American Legends, Lore and Music".

At the turn of the century, this book was instrumental in a change of attitude towards Native Amaricans. Through it, we see the "depth and dignity or Indian thoughts" (Theodore Roosevelt) from a time when Indians were commonly viewed as little more than animals.

But I don't want to make this sound like a political statement. No, don't missunderstand, this book focuses on the legends and the music. Curtis has transcribed enough songs that you could almost call it a Fake Book of Indian Songs. I've already used many of the songs in this book as inspiration for some of my own compositions.

This book is a stellar overview of the latest in psychedelic theory. Rick Strassman gives an excellent summary of the current research and ideas behind DMT. One thing I was disappointed that he did not address: Strassman notes that both psilocin and DMT are nearly identical molecules. What significance does this have? I would have liked to see his musings on that topic.

Having this book is like getting your hands on the hottest underground philosophy book. It dares to link science and religion directly - not some wishy washy pseudo-theory, but hard evidence linking science and religion via psychedelics. It really is amazing how unknown this is to the average person - even those with a deep interest in these subjects. Yet here it is, brazenly laid out, for anyone with an inquisitive mind to pick up and learn.

I highly recommend this book if you want a cutting edge, no holds barred discussion on what psychedelics might mean to humanity. There is no waving dismissal of psychedelic users as "druggies" or scoffing at the notion there might be more to these substances than just "getting high". The authors are quite up front as to what is scientifically proven, and what is personal speculation. Nevertheless, imagination is set loose to roam free in this book, and the insights and hypotheses inside are scrumptious food for thought. The art is also quite nice and colorful.

5/5, Highly recommended!

Medical clinicians to literary scholars should read this book. Recently, many artists and philosophers have asserted that western culture has become mystically squalid. Today's society like the hero in the film "El Topo" bears the spirit of what was described by T.S. Elliot as an "inner wasteland". Dr. Strassman is enthusiastic about elevating and ecstatically enhancing the forsakened interior dominion of the human organism.
Many books, produced by metaphysical publishers are so inane that medically educated individuals find them to be offensive and appalling. Moreover, Dr. Strassman's work is very entertaining for a highly trained PhD consciousness as it integrates physics, biology, medicine, neuroscience and anthropology in a way, which is captivating the most erudite reader. This work is so interesting that it is difficult to stop experiencing it. It leaves the perceiver wanting more as the subjects of this text are of quintessential importance to the human psyche. This book should be the paradigm for texts concerned with mystical themes; as it is not delimiting, and all of its authors do not pejoratively misrepresent transcendent human themes.
These authors derogate the constriction and stultification associated with faith based religions. Dr. Strassman like William Blake purports that the body is an authentic temple of ecstasy and electrifying mystical genesis. It would seem that Jung would have appreciated this work; and its authors are once again commencing the challenging task of comprehending and activating the human collective unconscious. Today's neuroscience and faith-based theosophies prohibit the blossoming of human perception or what Dr. Strassman denotes as the mental eye or the pineal gland, which may endogenously secrete the sacred DMT molecule. There are many references throughout this text to the spontaneous activation of endogenous DMT as it may be involved in inducing altered states of consciousness. All these medical practitioners are purporting that the human animal is able to adroitly perceive sensations, which are not usually experienced by the five senses.
Dr. Strassman and Dr. Luna purport that sagacious utilization of the body's interior faculties can inordinately educate the human psyche to experience a kind of ubiquitous perception. The inner powers associated with the arcane Shaman are ruefully atrophied in today's delimited consciousness. Dr. Strassman and the other medically trained authors vehemently assert that any kind of authentic meta-biological genesis of the cryptic dimensions of the body can be readily evoked by the judicious participation with plant teachers like ayahuasca, magic mushrooms or peyote. The body's etheric education enables the constricted human essence to experience what the authors refer to as altered states of consciousness. Furthermore, it was asserted that our conventional social institutions only dessicate the edifying powers of the "body electric".
All of the authors of this text have undergone years of formal academic training; however, they are encouraging a kind of knowledge quite distinctive from the conceptual epistemology lauded by today's major universities. These authors seem to be suggesting that Maya or the CNS's rationicination is what engenders the stultification, which enfetters the human psyche. Plant teachers edify the human essence not the brain's inimical rational intellect, which constricts the body's euphoric energy dynamics.

Just finished the book & I must say I am very impressed. Great read! Thank you to all the authors for this book!
Highly recommended!

Dundes' writing is always interesting to read. He has such wide ranging interests, and his scholarship is thorough and fascinating. This book is a collection of articles that show how he interprets folklore in relation to psychoanalytic theory and by piecing together ways in which folklore is part of a society's worldview. The article on the number "3" in American culture is especially interesting as he charts out ways in which unconscious patterns about numerical sequences greatly influence everyday activities. I also enjoyed his article on thinking ahead. He demonstrates how so many aspects of American culture provide templates for imagining that we are living for a brighter and rosier future. The book also shows how his main interest focuses on psychoanalytical interpretations of folklore and culture. These are always intriguing reading although some interpretations are stronger than others. The great part about this book is that Dundes provides all kinds of ways to look at folklore to show how we can think about everyday aspects of experience to learn intriguing things about ourselves.

I'm a UC Berkeley student who has recently taken prof. Dundes' folklore class...this book is part of the reading list (hehe, well, if you're going to teach, might as well use your own book, right?). You'll enjoy "interpreting folklore" for it's interesting stories and witty writing...Dundes really knows what he's talking about and has always been very clear about getting his point across, even in his lectures...his books, then, are even more succinct and concise. Buy this book and support the work of a down to earth, awesome professor/folklorist who is passionate and dedicated to this topic. ...plus, be entertained and educated at the same time! Great deal!

Not only is he one of the finest folklore scholars in the world, but Alan Dundes is also a witty thinker and a very fine writer. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in folklore studies. Dundes offers a collection of articles that deal with the history of folklore studies, conceptions about the scope and method of study, analysis of folklore within American culture, and an array of psychoanalytical interpretations of folklore and popular culture. Read this book to find out why the number three shows up ubiquitously in ritual, sayings, rhymes, and countless cultural patterns in America. Find out why stories and jokes project anxieties about a range of troublesome concerns. Look at this book to see how the game of football relates to something other than macho expression. Above all, check out this book to see how a creative and innovative thinker solves puzzles that he sees in seemingly mundane forms of cultural expression. You'll never look at the NFL in the same way again!