Tales from Japan (Oxford Myths and Legends) (Paperback)

by Helen and William McAlpine (Adapter), Rosamund Fowler (Illustrator) "Of old, there was nothing in the universe but thick, sluggish matter..." (more)
Key Phrases: serving birds, old woodcutter, Lord Brindled Dog, Otoko San, God of the Sea (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Introduces readers to a variety of myths, legends, and folktales."--Calliope


Product Description
Full of magic and wonder, these are tales of wicked giants and fairy children, beautiful princesses and fearless warriors. This extraordinary collection of stories from Japan are lively retellings of legends and fairy tales that include the great story of the creation of the world and the tale of a magical coat that makes people invisible. Meet the Sea Spirit, the Moon God, the Emperor Kiyomori, Dragon Princess and many other magical characters. Here, too, are folktales of woodcutters and fisherman who enter strange, enchanted worlds. This delightful mix of stories joyfully evokes the beauty and culture of Japan: its people, its animals, and its landscape. (Reissue of Japanese Tales and Legends, 0-19-274140-3)

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192751751
• ISBN-13: 978-0192751751
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #155,848 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting little book with tales, January 8, 2009

By	Annelies "liesje" (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

hello,
it's a very interesting little book, it tells a lot about the legends of Japan and their very well written. If your interested in japan and you like tales it is a very nice book but the tales aren't new so they don't have any jokes or fun in it but their still nice if you have a great imagination and like I sad before their great tales. This book is definitely worth the money. (sorry for my English)
if you buy it I hope you like it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy read, July 15, 2008

By	Pony Enthusiast (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This book is REALLY short and a real easy read. I think it's meant for kids. However, if you like tales and legends, this is a nice addition. It has all the major Japanese tales like Izanagi and Izanami (their "Adam and Eve" I suppose). All the Japanese names are left in there rather than an anglicized version. They even left in cultural references like "mochi." This whole Oxford tale series would be nice to have in a single volume rather than a single 100 pg book. However, it's decent, but you'll be able to finish it in an hour or 2.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Gift, January 23, 2008

By	C. Russell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a perfect gift for someone that is into the culture of Japan. This book was bought for my sister (who studies Japanese culture)and she loved it. I'm happy that I bought it!!!