Customer Reviews

The Golden Axe and Other Folk Tales of Compassion and Greed

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All storytellers‹whether beginner or pro‹need this book. When I started reading this clear and well written book, I found I could hardly put it down because the stories are fascinating and not always easy to find in the usual sources. Each tale type is well analyzed, the motifs are clearly stated and the book itself finely crafted. Each chapter is a gem explaining what the story means and how it relates to other stories of it's type. Clever quotes wrap up each chapter and the writer keeps earlier stories fresh in the reader's mind by continuing to compare and contrast meaning and motif in a layered tapestry of insight. Solid sources are given for each story and additional information and books are included. An introductory chapter sites tips on how to tell stories while later chapters explain how to use word games, scripts and puppet plays based on these stories. Every serious storyteller should own this book; it is a wealth of insight and useful analysis that will help in both understanding and telling stories.

I love this collection of stories, notes about the stories, and activities. Perfect for nearly any age child or adult, and a great introduction to the ways tales change and vary from culture to culture.