African Folktales (The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library) (Paperback)

~ Roger Abrahams (Author) "Once upon a time, a brother and sister who were twins and orphans, being poorly treated at home, were obliged to run away from their..." (more)
Key Phrases: own kola, old woman with sores, conga scepter, Dada Segbo, Oom Leeuw, Pembe Mirui (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This volume sports a hefty 95 stories gleaned from the notes of the earliest missionaries on up to recent anthropological studies. Abrahams admits that reading the stories lacks the full impact of hearing them told aloud but contends that they can nonetheless still be enjoyed. The stories feature numerous illustrations.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Nearly 100 stories from over 40 tribe-related myths of creation, tales of epic deeds, ghost stories and tales set in both the animal and human realms.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pantheon; 8th printing edition (August 12, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394721179
• ISBN-13: 978-0394721170
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,489 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Feast, July 18, 2001

By	Benjamin Lefebvre "Joe Vegas" (Detroit, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book gives a great representation of folktales from all parts of Africa. These tales highlight the variety of the people and societies on the continent, helping to correct the notion of Africa being one big country. While stylistically consistent, the themese touched in the book speak of sophistication. From epics to simple "lesson" tales, Mr. Abrahams has done a great job laying out the stories. His introduction is also superb, though for some reason two stories he mentions in his introduction are not to be found in the book itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for the "real folk," and not simply beddy time stories (though some stories here could be used for that too!)

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars African folktales with an unusual twist, August 15, 2005

By	Sheri Fresonke Harper "sfharper59" (Renton, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Great tales that help to bring the African storyteller experience home, help teach issues of morality, introduce some of the animal life, paint the lifestyle of women as well as men, and provide the usual creation myths etc. one is accustomed to finding in a book of myths. Explanations to the set of tales, and each section of tales is provided by the author, along with why he believes them to be of importance. I enjoyed them thoroughly because he invites you into his experience.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good collection, October 10, 2007

By	redwood (TALLINN, Estonia) - See all my reviews

It depends what you are looking for.
I was looking for African folktales and stories, just to enjoy little different mood by reading them. I was looking a book with lot of different kind of stories together.
It was exactly what I was expecting. Very good compact collection.
If you enjoy an indian legends and stories, other nations legends then this is a good way to get an taste of african tales.
You will enjoy it.
It is a promise;)