Library Essentials Month: Morphology of the Folktale by Vladimir Propp

Morphology of the Folktale (Publications of the American Folklore Society) by V. Propp is another one of those books that is a folklore staple. You need to be familiar with it. So it should be in your library. It's that simple.

This is a Saturday post. And I am not the person to explain Propp's Morphology. Apparently, many people aren't because there's not a simple description of the book that I could find in my quick searching. Oh well. Wikipedia tries and most succeeds. See the entries on Vladimir Propp and Morphology, the latter is better at summarizing while the former breaks down Propp's approach and provides some extra links which is usually my primary reason for visiting Wikipedia.

About Propp:

Vladimir Propp was born in Petersburg, April 29, 1895. In 1932 he was called to a position at the University of Leningrad and went on to make major contributions to Russian folklore studies, comparative mythology, and the classification of folklore genres. His international fame is closely tied to the contributions he made to the structural analysis of folklore in Morphology of the Folktale.

American Folk Songbook by Suzy Bogguss

 

American Folk Songbook by Suzy Bogguss was released a few months ago, but I just learned about it last night. I am a native Nashvillian. I was born here. I have left here. Many times. But I always end up coming back, a surprise to me sometimes more than anyone else. I love this city. These days I hope it will be my primary residence for the rest of my life. That said, I have never been a country music fan. I like some songs and a few artists, but I never listen to the numerous country music stations available to me in this city. I don't go to the many music venues either, unless a friend is performing, which is inevitable if someone is living here, but that is rare.

But one of the artists I have always enjoyed is Suzy Bogguss. She's been virtually invisible for years although I have never forgotten her and some of her songs are some of my favorites. Music on the Wind on her Aces is perhaps my favorite but I have many. I love every song on Aces and have listened to it times innumerable. It is also a boon that her voice is right in my most comfortable range so I can sing along with her. And she gets bonus points here on SurLaLune since one of her hits was Hey Cinderella.

So last night when I discovered her CD--I don't even buy CDs anymore--I had to own it. I knew it would be at home for downloading but I wanted to thank the store for informing me and spend some local dollars. I grew up singing many of these songs with my dad who loved them. He even had a thick songbook of old American songs with backstories that I attribute to contributing to my love of folklore: The Songs We Sang: A Treasury of American Popular Music by Theodore Raph. I have that book now and am thrilled to have this CD to listen to. Yes, I already have listened to it and it was worth every penny.

So if you like American folk music, this may be of interest to you. Or maybe not. I find music tends to be even more subjective than books. It is acoustic. It is simple but not simplistic.

Here's the song list. There's also a book to accompany it with sheet music and some stories. I may have to go back and buy it, too. Here's a link: American Folk Songbook. And here's the song list from the CD and book:

Companion book to the CD by Suzy Bogguss. Filled with fascinating stories, illustrations, and personal anecdotes, as well as the complete sheet music to all 17 songs arranged for vocal, guitar and piano. Foreword by John Lomax III.

Shady Grove
Shenandoah
Red River Valley
Froggy Went A-Courtin'
Wayfaring Stranger
Banks Of The Ohio
Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
Ol' Dan Tucker
Rock Island Line
Sweet Betsy From Pike
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Careless Love
All The Pretty Little Horses
Git Along Little Dogies
Erie Canal
Wildwood Flower
Beautiful Dreamer

Library Essentials Month: African Folktales with Foreign Analogues by May A. Klipple

African Folktales with Foreign Analogues (Folklore Library) by May A. Klipple is another great resource for finding fairy tale variants of many tales, especially the better known European ones, but from Africa. This book is considerably smaller than the Arab collection discussed yesterday, but it is very helpful, especially in finding English language variants. The goal of SurLaLune has always been to multicultural/international, but due to my own interests, experiences and access to scholarship, it has and will always be dominated by European tales. However, I don't want to miss out on other tales so books like this one are very helpful. Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect of this book is its publication date of 1992 which means that the last 20 years of African folktale publications are absent, but that doesn't diminish the usefulness of this book, just a loss of scope since many books have been published in the past 20 years.

East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Amanda Clark

It's Friday! Need a Friday morning pretty? How about this artwork for East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Amanda Clark? She has a blog, where I found this, at Earth Angel's Art as well as an Etsy shop.

Library Essentials Month: Types of the Folktale in the Arab World: A Demographically Oriented Tale-Type Index by Hasan M. El-Shamy

Types of the Folktale in the Arab World: A Demographically Oriented Tale-Type Index by Hasan M. El-Shamy is another important book in your repertorie if you are searching for fairy tale and folklore variants. While the AT /ATU system is critical, they are still dominated by the European tales. For that matter, the system is primarily based upon the European versions of the tales. El-Shamy, one of the leaders in Arab folklore, organizes tales in Arab folklore under the AT system. So if you are looking for say, Cinderella tales in Kuwait, Yemen, or Lebanon, this is the book you need to consult.

Unfortunately for English speakers, more than half of the tales listed are not available in English. But if a tale was available in English before the book's 2004 publication date, it is most likely here. El-Shamy also breaks down the tales into their motifs, making it easier to see why each tale qualifies to be listed under different variant types. After all, the tales from other parts of the world often don't fit easily into the European dominated system due to cultural, especially religious, differences.

I've spent many hours perusing this book, searching it for variants from around the world. It is fascinating to see some of the underlying motifs that show how tales that appear dissimilar on the surface really have strong ties through their themes.

Here's the book description from the publisher:

Types of the Folktale in the Arab World is an index and preliminary analysis of folktales told by the diverse ethnic groups that populate what is commonly called "the Arab World." It is also a comprehensive and interdisciplinary guide to tales told in related cultural spheres, from sub-Saharan Africa to Turkey and beyond. A folktale's emergence, spread, stability, change, continued presence, or disappearance among certain social groups depends on specific psychological, social, and cultural forces. While Hasan El-Shamy has adopted the familiar tale-type classification system employed by Antti Aarne and Stith Thompson, he also seeks to remedy the Eurocentric shortcomings of their system by addressing folklore as behavior, striving to bring the psychosocial foundation for the Arab renditions to this comprehensive and inclusive index. Types of the Folktale in the Arab World is destined to become an indispensable reference work for all who are interested in Arab culture and the folktale.

And while we are here, here is the table of contents:

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Note on Data Presentation
Outline of the Aarne-Thompson Classification of Tales (1-2412)

DOTTI-A: TALE TYPES
I. ANIMAL TALES 1-299
II. ORDINARY FOLK-TALES: 300-1199
A. Tales of Magic: 300-749A
B. Religious Tales: 750-84
C. Novelle (Romantic Tales): 850-999
D. Tales of the Stupid Ogre: 1000-1199
III. JOKES AND ANECDOTES: 1200-1999
IV. FORMULA TALES: 2000-2399
V. UNCLASSIFIED TALES: 2400-2499
REGISTER OF MOTIFS
REGISTER OF TALE TYPES
SOURCES
GENERAL INDEX

This book was a massive undertaking for El-Shamy and is quite indispensible in my library. It is also referenced regularly in the Uther edition of the ATU index as a resource, so it walks hand in hand with it although the classifications are based upon the AT, not the updated ATU.

A New Release and a Bargain Book by Wendy Delsol

 

I wrote about Wendy Delsol's books back in June, but this past Tuesday was the official release date of her second fairy tale inspired book, Frost, drawing from Andersen's The Snow Queen.

The description from the publisher:

In this sequel to STORK, Katla Leblanc has to employ her grit, spirit, and special gifts to rescue the boy she loves.

After the drama of finding out that she’s a Stork, a member of an ancient and mystical order of women, and that her boyfriend, Jack, is a descendent of the Winter People able to control the weather, Katla Leblanc is delighted when all signs point to a busy and peaceful Christmas. That is, until the snowstorm Jack summons as a gift to Katla turns into the storm of the century, attracting Brigid, a gorgeous scientist who, in turn, attracts Jack. Between the school play, a bedridden, pregnant mother’s to-do lists, and keeping an eye on her aging grandfather, Katla doesn’t have time to question Brigid’s motives or deal with Jack’s increasingly cold behavior. But Katla’s suspicions mount when Jack joins Brigid on a research expedition to Greenland, and when the two of them go missing, it becomes clear that Katla is the only one who can save her beloved Jack from the Snow Queen who holds him prisoner. Adventure, romance, and myth combine in this winter escapade for teens who like a bit of fire with their ice.

Stork by Wendy Delsol was released last October and I still haven't read it yet, but the description sounds interesting and is certainly folklore related. Stork is currently bargain priced on Amazon in hardcover for $6.40 while the ebook is $7.19. As of this writing, there are only 4 more copies at the hardcover bargain price, so order quick if you want one. Once the bargains are gone, they are usually gone for good.

Here's the description for Stork:

Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.

Library Essentials Month: The Types of International Folktales by Hans-Jorg Uther

Today's library essentials--The Types of International Folktales by Hans-Jorg Uther--is a budget stretcher. I admit it. But there is a lot of bang for the buck and I will never regret this purchase. And for the amount of information and the three volumes overall in hardcover, it is more than fairly priced, so this is not a complaint about the price at all. It is simply an acknowledgement that the average student cannot rush out and easily buy her own desk copy.

If you are new to all of this, this is the book you use to say, "Oh, Cinderella is ATU 510. Beauty and the Beast is ATU 425. There are many variants of these tales!" Then you can look up many of the resources to hunt those variants down.
In recent years, the Aarne Thompson Classification System has been updated to the Aarne Thompson Uther System, abbreviated to ATU. That's not big news these days, but understanding the changes as the textbooks and other informational sites catch-up can be a challenge. It also doesn't help that the classification system books are usually single copies in the reference section of a decently sized university library, limiting access for many others.

In the end, this is the set you need if you are going to work with the ATU system, because, obviously, it is the ATU system. It is updated and I find it easier to use than the older AT system volumes with somewhat more intuitive listings and bibliography.

I wish these were available as an electronic resource (i.e. software or ebook) which would be lovely. Now that's some programming I could enjoy and find infinitely useful on many levels! I have often considered building a fairy tale database of resources old and modern, but the cost is prohibitive. I have the resources to do it, since my husband and I do that for other companies--that is how we support ourselves--I am fortunate when SurLaLune breaks even. But I would still have to pay our programmers for the additional programming and that isn't feasible, alas, although John and I could easily design it which would cut the costs in half.



I gleaned the rest of this post from some of my previous posts. And if you want to order the books, I have instructions here. They are not currently listed on Amazon or B&N or essentially anywhere but with the publisher.

More about ATU:

There is a helpful article on Wikipedia, of course. It has a long list, but it is lightweight in giving background.

If you are hunting the web for information, the best site I've discovered so far is The Gold Scales. Now, that said, it is a site full of useful stuff, but it is hard to navigate at times. So I am going to provide some direct links to some of the most helpful stuff for today's topic:

From the Introduction to the Latest Folktale Catalogue This explains the new system, giving an overview of what has changed and what hasn't.

The ATU System: This page breaks down the basic areas of the system and then offers a further listing of Norwegian tales classified in the system. (Or something like that. I'm not very good at summarizing today.)

Publisher description for the entire set:

The Types of International Folktales (ATU) based on the system of Aarne/Thompson constitutes a fundamentally new edition with extensive additions and innovations. The descriptions of the tale types have been completely rewritten and made more precise. The essential research cited for each type includes extensive documentation of its international distribution as well as monographic works or articles on that type. More than two hundred and fifty new types have been added. Types with very limited distribution have been omitted. A detailed subject index includes the most important subjects, actions, and other motifs, including actors and settings.

The Types of International Folktales is a bibliographic tool that guides its users through the corpus of published traditional narratives of different ethnic groups and time periods, with a description of each type followed by references to catalogs, texts, and published research. Each “tale type” in all the traditional genres (fables, animal tales, religious legends, ordinary folktales, jests, and cumulative tales) must be understood to be flexible. It is not a constant unit of measure or a way to refer to lifeless material from the past. Instead it is adaptable, and can be integrated into new thematic compositions and media. The background for this model of narrative alteration and innovation is evident in a change of paradigm that took place in recent decades in historical-comparative folktale research, a change that has necessarily affected the nature of this new catalog. The catalog permits international tale types to be located quickly, thus providing a historical-comparative orientation toward folktale research for scholars in all disciplines that touch on popular narrative traditions.

One More Bargain Book: Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

One more bargain ebook today at $3.99, this one is edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, Zombies vs. Unicorns. When they were promoting this one, I just laughed. I am of the unicorn generation--not that there aren't fans in every generation--but unicorns were EVERYWHERE in the early 80s and I owned my share. I didn't join too many fads, but unicorns were in my natural inclination so I vote unicorns everytime.* Zombies not so much.

This book was very well-reviewed and I now own it on my Kindle. Lovely day, isn't it?

Book description from the publisher:

It’s a question as old as time itself: Which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? This all-original anthology, edited by Holly Black (Team Unicorn) and Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie), makes strong arguments for each side with eerie and amazing short stories from an all-star lineup of contributors, including bestselling and award-winning authors Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Kathleen Duey, Garth Nix, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan.

Discover how unicorns use their powers for evil, why zombies aren’t always the enemy, and much more in this creative collection that showcases zombies and unicorns as you have never seen them before.

*And while I have unicorns on the brain, don't get me started about the argument one fellow sixth grader had with me over this cover of A Swiftly Tilting Planet (Madeleine L'Engle's Time Quintet) by my beloved Madeleine L'Engle. I was almost devastated when she trashed the book because "Unicorns don't have wings, so it is WRONG." One of my favorite books and my favorite unicorn, Gaudior, was being attacked and I was also very fond of that particular cover. She even grabbed it out of my hand to wave at the teacher for confirmation. I don't remember what the teacher said. For me, it was a unicorn. Madeleine L'Engle said so. I am so happy I am no longer eleven years old....

That really is a gorgeous cover and still my favorite for the book.

More Bargains: Pratchett's Discworld and Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

First of all, there isn't a cover image but the first Discworld novel, The Color of Magic with Bonus Material: A Discworld Novel, by Terry Pratchett is a $.99 preorder as an ebook. Great price! Too bad I already owned this one on my Kindle...

Another ebook bargain today is in anticipation of the next release in the trilogy: Pathfinder (Pathfinder Trilogy) by Orson Scott Card for $3.99. This one is more fantasy than folklore inspired--I haven't read it myself since I am always reluctant to start trilogies while still waiting for them to be completed--but it has been recommended to me so I thought I would share it here.

Description from the publisher:

From the internationally bestselling author who brought us Ender’s Game, a brand-new series that instantly draws readers into the dystopian world of Rigg, a teenager who possesses a secret talent that allows him to see the paths of people’s pasts. Rigg’s only confidant is his father, whose sudden death leaves Rigg completely alone, aside from a sister he’s never met. But a chance encounter with Umbo, another teen with a special talent, reveals a startling new aspect to Rigg’s abilities, compelling him to reevaluate everything he’s ever known. Rigg and Umbo join forces and embark on a quest to find Rigg’s sister and discover the true depth and significance of their powers. Because although the pair can change the past, the future is anything but certain….

Bargain Book: How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier is bargain priced as a Kindle ebook for $4.79 and in hardcover for $6.45 right now. This is a fun one and might be of interest to Larbalestier fans although then you probably already own it. Since there is a subset of you interested in fairy godmothers this one might be of particular interest with its different twist on the fairy stuff so I thought I would share it here.

Book description from the publisher:

Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all—especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart’s desire, it isn’t at all what she thought it would be like, and she’ll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. The question is: will Charlie herself survive the fairy ditching experiment? From the author of the acclaimed Magic or Madness trilogy, this is a delightful story of fairies, friendships, and figuring out how to make your own magic.

Genelia D'souza October Photoshoot

 Genelia D'souza October Photoshoot, 08 more images after the break...

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Ritemail Picdump — 55 Pics

 Ritemail Picdump, 53 More images after the break...

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Happily Ever After Video Game

The above is a trailer for a new fairy tale influenced video game, Happily Ever After.

From the game's webpage where you can also download a demo:

The game will be priced at £2.99 for iPad and £9.99 for PC and Mac

When a problem page blogger starts to receive a series of weird and puzzling requests for help, they track down the source and go to investigate, only to end up in the Kingdom of Unbelievaville! Stuck there, their only means of escaping being turned into a doornob by the evil queen, is to help out the local inhabitants who are familiar characters with very unfamiliar problems!

It contains over 100 puzzles stretched through 24 levels with multiple endings in story mode, and if that's not enough, the game contains a bunch of against-the-clock minigames.

Happily Ever After will be available this Autumn/Fall!

In the mean time, why not follow either of the player character's twitter feeds at @TheFGM or @TheBlogFather1 or check out the Kingdom of Unbelievaville dating site FrogSnog.com.

And more from the press release:

Leading UK independent developer, Honeyslug, in ration with publishing partner Boiled Frog, are delighted to announce the forthcoming release of their modern fairytale puzzle adventure with a twist, “Happily Ever After”. Due for release on iPad, Mac and PC in October 2011, priced at £2.99 on iPad and £9.99 on PC and Mac. The title is supported with PR, trailers http://www.vimeo.com/30180207 and playable demo (PC only) on all formats. These, together with screenshots, are available at www.Honeyslug.com/happilyeverafter or www.Boiledfrog.co.uk.

Happily Ever After is a humorous puzzle adventure game which takes place in the contemporary fairytale Kingdom of Unbelievaville. After receiving a series of strange emails to your problem solving blog you find yourself trapped in the Kingdom. Following a hostile encounter with the Evil Queen, your only way home is to help out the cast of familiar fairytale characters with unfamiliar problems. These inhabitants include BB Wolff - the local smarmy, estate agent and apparent master of disguise, Goldilocks, a special girl with very particular tastes and an oafish, lazy prince who is charming only by name. Your adventure ends at the annual Unbelievaville “Know Talent” contest; will you find your way home or suffer the Evil Queen’s “hex” factor?

Happily Ever After is a hugely entertaining game, set over 24 levels with over 100 different puzzles. Players are set to enjoy many hours of gameplay with challenges including hidden object, logic games, mazes, spot the differences, riddles and more. With lavish comic book visuals, three fun arcade style mini games and a sparkling script penned by Childrens’ BBC script writer Hannah McKay, this title is sure to appeal to puzzlers and adventure game fans of all ages.

This one looks safer for younger kids--like 8 and up perhaps although I don't see an age recommendation, maybe even 5 although I think reading is needful--unlike make of the other video games featured on the blog previously which were definitely more adult.

The evolution of computers — Apple

1976 - Apple I

 How did Apple technology from the first computer to the latest iPhone. 44 more after the break...

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What Next ?

Dog wanted to eat breakfast chicken, but his mom would not let him kid to do it.  02 more images after the break...

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Schwarzenegger Museum

The museum opened in the house where Arnold Schwarzenegger spent his childhood. The museum contains the personal belongings of the iron and other items for Arnie, who played an important role in his life.  11 more images after the break...

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Library Essentials Month: The Great Fairy Tale Tradition: From Straparola and Basile to the Brothers Grimm

Yes, I am sure there was little doubt that The Great Fairy Tale Tradition: From Straparola and Basile to the Brothers Grimm (Norton Critical Editions) edited by Jack Zipes wasn't going to make the library essentials list.

This book came out a few years after I started SurLaLune. It was another one that made me wish I had always owned it. And that it came in hardcover, but it doesn't. Most of the readers here probably already own this one--it is often used as a textbook after all--but this one gets the highest recommendation. It is actually in my top 10 most important library essentials. Yes, I have many of these materials scattered throughout my library and on the SurLaLune main site, but they are conveniently gathered here in one book. This is a must if one is interested in fairy tales and their histories and variants. The introduction to each subgrouping is very helpful as in the introduction to the whole book and the critical texts at the end. I don't have to reference this one so often anymore, but it was a mainstay when I was still learning so much and it is still pulled regularly from its place on the shelf at my left elbow.

Product description from the publisher:

The first edition of its kind, The Great Fairy Tale Tradition is indispensable for students of fairy tales.

The tales-116 in all-are thematically grouped. Each grouping is introduced and annotated by Jack Zipes, the genre's reigning expert. Twenty illustrations accompany the texts.

"Criticism" includes seven important assessments of different aspects of the fairy tale tradition, written by W. G. Waters, Benedetto Croce, Lewis Seifert, Patricia Hannon, Harry Velten, Siegfried Neumann, and Jack Zipes.

Brief biographies of the storytellers and a Selected Bibliography are included.

And the Table of Contents to cinch the deal:

The Texts of the Great Fairy Tale Tradition

CLEVER THIEVES
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Cassandrino the Thief
Brothers Grimm, The Master Thief

SWINDLED SWINDLERS
Giovan Francesco Straparaola, The Priest Scarpafico
Brothers Grimm, Little Farmer

INCESTUOUS FATHERS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Tebaldo
Giambattista Basile, The Bear
Charles Perrault, Donkey Skin
Brothers Grimm, All Fur

BEASTLY BORN HEROES
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Galeotto
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, The Wild Boar
Henriette Julie de Murat, The Pig King
Brothers Grimm, Hans My Hedgehog

THE WISHES OF FOOLS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Pietro the Fool
Giambattista Basile, Peruonto
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, The Dolphin
Brothers Grimm, Simple Hans

DANGEROUS SIRENS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Fortunio
Jean de Mailly, Fortunio
Brothers Grimm, The Nixie in the Pond

DISGUISED HEROES
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Constanza/Constanzo
Giambattista Basile, The Three Crowns
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, Belle-Belle or the Chevalier Fortuné
Henriette Julie de Murat, The Savage

ENVIOUS SISTERS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Ancilotto, King of Provino
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cheri
Eustache Le Noble, The Bird of Truth
Antoine Galland, The Two Sisters Who Envied their Cadette
Brothers Grimm, The Three Little Birds

WILD MEN
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Guerrino and the Savage Man
Jean de Mailly, Prince Guerini
Friedmund von Arnim, Iron Hans
Brothers Grimm, The Wild Man
Brothers Grimm, Iron Hans

COMPETITIVE BROTHERS
Girolamo Morlini, Three Brothers Who Become Wealthy Wandering the World
Giovan Francesco Straparola, The Three Brothers
Giambattista Basile, The Five Brothers
Brothers Grimm, The Four Skillful Brothers

TRIUMPHANT APPRENTICES
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Maestro Lattantio and his Apprentice Dionigi
Eustache Le Noble, The Apprentice Magician
Brothers Grimm, The Thief and his Master

BROTHERLY LOVE
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Cesarino, the Dragon Slayer
Giambattista Basile, The Merchant
Brothers Grimm, The Two Brothers

SHREWD CATS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, Constantino Fortunato
Giambattista Basile, Cagliuso
Charles Perrault, The Master Cat, or Puss in Boots
Brothers Grimm, Puss in Boots

VIRTUOUS QUEENS
Giovan Francesco Straparola, The Snake and the Maiden
Jean de Mailly, Blanche-Belle

MAGIC HELPERS
Giambattista Basile, The Ogre
Brothers Grimm, The Magic Table, the Golden Donkey, and the Club in the Sack

FOOLISH PEASANTS
Giambattista Basile, Vardiello
Brothers Grimm, Freddy and Katy

THE REVENGE AND REWARD OF NEGLECTED DAUGHTERS
Giambattista Basile, The Cat Cenerentola
Charles Perrault, Cinderella, or The Glass Slipper
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, Finette Cendron
Brothers Grimm, Cinderella

THE POWER OF LOVE
Giambattista Basile, Petrosinella
Charlotte-Rose de la Force, Persinette
Friedrich Schulz, Rapunzel
Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel

TERRIBLE CURSES AND LUCKY PRINCES
Giambattista Basile, The Dove
Brothers Grimm, The Two Kings’ Children

THE FATHER’S BETRAYAL
Giovanni Fiorentino, Dionigia and the King of England
Giambattista Basile, The Maiden Without Hands
Brothers Grimm, The Maiden Without Hands

THE ART OF GOOD CONDUCT
Giambattista Basile, Sapia Liccarda
Marie-Jeanne Lhéritier, The Discreet Princess, or The Adventures of Finette

REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS FOR GOOD AND BAD GIRLS
Giambattista Basile, The Three Fairies
Marie-Jeanne Lhéritier, The Enchantments of Eloquence, or The Effects of Sweetness
Charles Perrault, The Fairies
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Aurore and Aimée
Brothers Grimm, Mother Holle

MAGICAL TRANSFORMATIONS
Giambattista Basile, The Three King Beasts
Friedmund von Arnim, The Castle of the Golden Sun
Brothers Grimm, The Crystal Ball

THE FATE OF SPINNING
Giambattista Basile, The Seven Bits of Bacon Rind
Marie-Jeanne Lhéritier, Ricdin-Ricdon
Brothers Grimm, Rumpelstiltskin
Brothers Grimm, The Three Spinners
Brothers Grimm, The Lazy Spinner

GOOD AT HEART AND UGLY AS SIN
Giambattista Basile, The Two Cakes
Brothers Grimm, The White Bride and the Black Bride

FAITHFUL SISTERS
Giambattista Basile, The Seven Doves
Brothers Grimm, The Twelve Brothers

FAITHFUL SERVANTS
Giambattista Basile, The Raven
Brothers Grimm, Faithful Johannes

THE TAMING OF SHREWS
Giambattista Basile, Pride Punished
Brothers Grimm, King Thrushbeard

LUCKY BUMPKINS
Giambattista Basile, The Goose
Brothers Grimm, The Golden Goose

THE FRUITFUL SLEEP
Giambattista Basile , The Sun, the Moon, and Talia
Charles Perrault, Sleeping Beauty
Brothers Grimm, Brier Rose

ABANDONED CHILDREN
Giambattista Basile, Ninnillo and Nennella
Charles Perrault, Little Thumbling
Brothers Grimm, Hansel and Gretel

INCONVENIENT MARRIAGES
Catherine Bernard, Riquet with the Tuft
Charles Perrault, Riquest with the Tuft
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Spirituel and Astre

BLOODTHIRSTY HUSBANDS
Charles Perrault, Bluebeard
Brothers Grimm, Bluebeard
Brothers Grimm, Fitcher’s Bird
Brothers Grimm, The Robber Bridegroom

DANGEROUS WOLVES AND NA¦VE GIRLS
Charles Perrault, Little Red Riding Hood
Brothers Grimm, Little Red Cap

LOVE CONQUERS ALL
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, The Orange Tree and the Bee
Brothers Grimm, Okerlo

COMPASSIONATE SISTERS AND UNGRATEFUL DEMONS
Caroline Stahl, The Ungrateful Dwarf
Brothers Grimm, Snow White and Rose Red

THE REDEEMER
Albert Ludwig Grimm, The Three Princes
Brothers Grimm, The Queen Bee

THE BEAST AS BRIDEGROOM
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy, The Ram
Jean Paul Bignon, Zeineb
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Beauty and the Beast
Brothers Grimm, The Singing, Springing Lark

Criticism

Jack Zipes, The Cross-Cultural Connections and the Contamination of the Classical Fairy Tale
W. G. Waters, [Essay from The Facetious Nights of Straparola]
Benedetto Croce, [Essay from The Pentamerone of Giambattista Basile]
Lewis Siefert, The Marvelous in Context: The Place of the Contes de Fées in Late Seventeenth-Century France
Patricia Hannon, Corps cadavres: Heroes and Heroines in the Tales of Perrault
Harry Velten, The Influence of Charles Perrault’s Contes de ma Mère L’Oie on German Folklore
Siegfried Neumann, The Brothers Grimm as Collectors and Editors of German Folklore
...

The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece by Anthony Manna and Christodoula Mitakidou

The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece by Anthony Manna and Christodoula Mitakidou and illustrated by Giselle Potter is released today.

Book description from the publisher:

Once upon a time in Greece, fate left a young girl an orphan. Her stepmother was so hateful that she counted every drop of water the orphan drank! But with the help of Nature's blessings, the orphan was showered with gifts: brilliance from the Sun, beauty from the Moon, gracefulness from the Dawn—and even a tiny pair of blue shoes from the Sea. When the prince comes to visit their village, he only has eyes for the mysterious beauty. Children will love this fanciful folk retelling of the Cinderella story, accompanied by luminous watercolor illustrations by Giselle Potter.

About the Authors

ANTHONY L. MANNA and SOULA MITAKIDOU's first collaboration, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, illustrated by Giselle Potter, was an ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book, and a New York Public Library Best Book for Children. Anthony has taught at universities in Turkey, Greece, and the U.S. Soula grew up in Greece, and storytelling was an important part of her family's traditions. She now lives in Thessaloniki, Greece, where she teaches at Aristotle University.

GISELLE POTTER's children's books include The Boy Who Loved Words by Roni Schotter, a Parents' Choice Gold Award winner; and Kate and the Beanstalk by Mary Pope Osborne, a Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal Best Book and an ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book. Giselle lives in New York's Hudson Valley with her husband and daughters. Visit her at GisellePotter.com.

Library Essentials Month: Fairytale in the Ancient World by Graham Anderson

Fairytale in the Ancient World by Graham Anderson is a deceptively slim book. This is the first of the books that I have listed as a library essential that was released a few years after I started SurLaLune. I remember reading it and thinking, oh, so much I'd love to add to SurLaLune!
Description from the publisher:

In this, the first modern study of the ancient fairytale, Graham Anderson asks whether the familiar children's fairytale of today existed in the ancient world. He examines texts from the classical period and finds many stories which resemble those we know today, including:

* a Jewish Egyptian Cinderella
* a Snow White whose enemy is the goddess Artemis
* a Pied Piper at Troy.

He puts forward many previously unsuspected candidates as classical variants of the modern fairytale and argues that the degree of violence and cruelty in the ancient tales means they must have been meant for adults.

My own review from 2003 is still up on Amazon, the only one there to date:

Having had this book in my personal collection for a few years now, I cannot praise it highly enough. As any folklorist knows, similar story threads exist across cultures and time. Why does this happen? One influence may have been the classic mythology from the Greeks and Romans. Graham Anderson makes reasonable connections between classical literature and our more modern folklore in previously unexplored ways. His writing is concise with easy-to-follow descriptions and analysis. If you are interested in the history of story, folklore, or the classics, this book is an excellent and relatively quick read. I only wish I had owned this book in the days when I was studying the classics as an undergraduate. It would have made reading the classics even more interesting than it was then.

That pretty much sums it up. I regularly reference this book when considering fairy tale variants or themes. No, many of these old myths are not necessarily directly related to our modern fairy tales, but the commonality of themes and plot devices is impressive. This one makes you think and it makes you want to return to classic mythology--especially when you realize how much you may have missed of mythology. I have an English degree which partially focused on the Greek and Roman classics and I missed much of these stories.

Best yet, many of the most popular fairy tales are found in these pages, from Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood to Snow White and others, there is some fascinating reading in this short book. When Fairy Tales from Before Fairy Tales: The Medieval Latin Past of Wonderful Lies by Jan M. Ziolkowski hit my own shelves, I was unfair to it because I wanted it to be more like Fairytale in the Ancient World. It is also a fine book with extensive discussion of lesser known tales, but I rarely return to it the same way I return over and over again to Fairytale in the Ancient World.