RIDDLES OF MANY LANDS

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 20, 1956

A happy collection of no less than 800 riddles from 90 different peoples of the world has been made by two distinguished social anthropologists one of whom (Sula Benet) teaches at Hunter College; the other (Carl Withers) is the author of the familiar study Plainville, U.S.A. In their brief introduction they speak of the universality of riddles, citing interesting examples from history (as when Solomon was tested by the Queen of Sheba) and from cultural roles (as when youngsters choose sides for riddle guessing in the Fiji Islands). They also analyze the wit of riddles, saying that the true ones ask questions that can be answered reasonably, but not until a different answer has been indicated in the asking. The riddles following, from North America up, down and around the world, prove humorously obstinate and fascinating in the variations and similarities in wit forms from spot to spot.

Pub Date: April 20, 1956

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Abelard-Schuman

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1956

Categories: NONFICTION