Russian Folk Tales [Paperback]

Alexsandr Afanasev (Compiler), Ivan Iakovlevich Bilibin (Illustrator)

Book Description

This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: E. P. Dutton & Company in 1916 in 375 pages; Description: "These stories have been translated direct from the Russian of Afanášev."--Introd.; Subjects: Fiction / Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology; Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic; Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General; Social Science / Folklore & Mythology;

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Russian (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 79 pages
• Publisher: Random House Childrens Books (October 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039471234X
• ISBN-13: 978-0394712345
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,557,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, charming folk and fairy tales., August 7, 2005

By 

Robert A Felthousen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Russian Folk Tales (Hardcover)

"Innocent young maidens cast into the grips of horrible old hags, frogs who are really princesses awaiting the right kiss, magical spindles and feathers, precious golden apples -- these and other classic fairytale ingredients are to be found in this superb collection of seven traditional Russian stories. Collected by Afanasyev, "the Russian Grimm," and splendidly decorated with the peotic and colorful illustrations of Ivan Bilibin, renowned nineteenth-century scenic artist, the stories share the common themes of good versus evil, psychic transformation, and rebirth. Children will be enchanted and adults intrigued by the sinister and delightful qualities of these traditional folk tales." -- excerpt from dust jacket.

This collection of fairy tales is, indeed, marvelous. It contains seven classic stories:

*Ivan Tsarevich, the grey wolf, and the firebird
*Sister Alyonushka and brother Ivanushka
*Finist the falcon
*Marya Morevna
*The white duck
*Vasilisa the beautiful
*The frog princess

While the stories are entertaining in themselves, the illustrations really deserve the most praise. Bilibin's work is reminiscent of Alfonse Mucha's Art Nouveau pieces -- possibly the best is Bilibin's painting of Vasilisa escaping from Baba Yaga's hut, carrying an enchanted skull mounted on a stick. (Light pours from the empty eye sockets; that's how Vasilisa can see to leave.)

Not to be missed by collectors or lovers of fairy tales and fantasy -- the artwork alone is worth the purchase.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Stuff!, July 8, 2011

By 

Lynne - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Russian Folk Tales (Paperback)

I've known these books and stories for years but sadly were stolen from me. Now I have them again they still thrill me as a reader with it's rich archaic language and the pictures have stayed in my mind for over 30 years. Would love to know if there were more Russian Folk/Fairy Tales out there with Bilikin's artwork who should be rated as one of the best illustrators of his time.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Printing errors galore!, March 7, 2010

By 

Benedikte (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Russian Folk-Tales; (Tr. From the Russian) (Paperback)

The lack of proof reading and the extent of the printing errors make what would be an interesting collection of folk tales very difficult to read. The same degree of carelessness is shown in the thinking behind the introduction. This little collection from Russia's folklore is almost surrealistic in its shoddy presentation. I have never before seen a published book with so poor a quality of presentation.