From School Library Journal
An insightful overview of the origins, structure, and language of the Russian folktale that should appeal to serious students of the genre or of Russian culture. The text examines the elements of the Russian folktale, gives a history of the recording and collection of these tales, and addresses the roles of the storyteller and of cultural rituals. Categories such as animal tales, wondertales, legends, and tales of everyday life are given individual consideration. One section offers a discussion of birth, marriage, and death rituals and how they are reflected in the stories. Another provides a detailed description of the folk rituals involving the bear and the horse, two common motifs. Haney's scholarship is evident through the extensive chapter notes and bibliography. The writing style is clear and accessible, though the topic is complex and the author covers an incredible amount of material. However, the lack of visuals limits this volume's appeal and accessibility to a wide audience.
Denise Anton Wright, Alliance Library System, Bloomington, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Denise Anton Wright, Alliance Library System, Bloomington, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian
Original Language: Russian
