Myths and Folk Tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Compiled in the late 19th century by a Smithsonian Institution ethnologist, this rare collection of unusual fairytales represents both a priceless resource of anthropologic lore as well as magical entertainment. All 32 tales—including "Yelena the Wise," "The King of the Toads," "The Reed Maiden," "Ivan Tsarevich, the Fire-bird, and the Gray Wolf," and more—are derived from sources in Russia and nearby regions. Hours of enchantment for readers of all ages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 555 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (July 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486409058
• ISBN-13: 978-0486409054
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,374,948 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I had a fun time reading these tales, January 11, 2007

By	Eric S. Kim (Southern California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am an individual who's learning about Russia (from the ancient times to the Soviet Era). I've already finished "The Early Slavs" by P.M. Barford and "Land of the Firebird" by Suzanne Massie. And now I'm done with Jeremiah Curtin's "Myths and Folk-Tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars", and I've had an enthusiastic time reading these collections of Russian, Czech, and Hungarian tales. Almost all of the stories have a formulaic plot (boy sets out to search for an animal or a princess, boy is betrayed by a close friend or relative, I won't go on from there because you'll have to read it all yourself to see what happens next) and a formulaic obstacle (the colors bronze, silver, and gold are shown as a daring choice). Talking animals are common, and men with Godlike powers have enemies that are far more puwerful than them. You'll sometimes be disappointed with the stereotypical happy endings, but the stories overall will give you continuous pleasure. Recommended for any who are interested in Russia's mythology and folklore, or any who are looking for a short story to read during your thirty-minute lunch break at work.