Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke [Paperback]

Muriel Paskin Carrison (Author), Kong Chhean The Venerable (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1993

Fifteen folk stories with origins in the teachings of Buddhist monks. Includes an appendix with factual information on Cambodia.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6 Fifteen tales that are transla tions from the Gatiloke, an ancient lit erary tradition from Cambodia. The stories concern simple villagers, monks, lords, kings, talking animals, a Moslem, a Brahmani, even a ``sav age'' Phong. Most of the stories will present difficulties for Western chil dren. A thief escapes with a widow's jewels, a king fails to keep his prom ise, an old woman plots to kill her son in order to marry a handsome young ster, but few of the offenders are pun ished; the point of the story lies else where. Carrison provides explanation in an introduction that gives an ac count of Buddhism and shows how its spirit infuses the tales. She also adds brief notes at the end of each story in order to make its meaning clear. An information-packed appendix contains a description of the land and people of Cambodia, a short history of the coun try, an account of village life, and a list of recommended readings aimed at adults. Attractive small line drawings are scattered throughout the book. Except for a few Cambodian tales in cluded in the multi-volume set Folk tales from Asia for Children Every where (Weatherhill, 1975), there is nothing else available from this region. While some of the stories have a ``worthy but dull'' air about them, Carrison's volume does go beyond fill ing the gap. More than a collection of folktales, it serves as an introduction to a little-known culture, exemplary in its scholarship and clarity. Ellen D. Warwick, Robbins Junior Lib . , Arling ton, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (October 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080481905X
• ISBN-13: 978-0804819053
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Offers great insights into traditional Cambodian culture, September 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke (Paperback)

What better way to get to know a culture than through its folklore? This wonderful collection includes Cambodian folktales passed down for centuries--even millenia--before being written down in the late nineteenth century. Simple but elegant (as are the illustrations), these stories teach traditional Buddhist values, usually in the negative: don't be greedy, don't be haughty, don't be superstitious, don't be gullible--or else you will pay the price! Adding insight are background notes on Cambodian society, holidays, etc. A good primer for anyone interested in traditional Cambodian culture.