TALES FROM THE CLOUD WALKING COUNTRY

by Marie Campbell ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 1958

Seventy-eight stories recorded by the collector from the oral tradition of Kentucky between the years 1926 and 1934. Although these stories are rich in language and attitude indigenous to the Kentucky mountain people, they also vividly illustrate the ties of that culture to an older folk literature, namely, European. To a great extent these are fairly-tales and will be familiar to the readers of Grimm, Andersen, etc. On occasion there are even specifically European heroes -- Einn, Cuchulain, etc. In this volume Marie Campbell has transcribed the narrative of six master tale-tellers, and has, where possible, included their comments as to the origin of the stories and their feelings about them. As often as not duplication in the stories occur, but this only serves to highlight the spontaneous character of the oral tradition. To a large extent these stories are suitable for children, though in certain cases they embrace issues generally considered taboo. And although the general adult reader may find here much that is charming, Tales From the Cloud Walking Country is most properly recommended to the folk lore enthusiast; the student of Americana, and the reader who delights in unmannered, earthy whimsy.

Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1958

ISBN: 0820321869

Page Count: -

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1958

Categories: FICTION