THE GOLDEN PHOENIX

Eight French-Canadian tales make up the body of this unusual and entertaining collection. Although there are threads of recognizable stories in this group, there is a distinct quality to them, a boldness of language and conception which strongly suggests Gallic rusticism. Of particular interest is the fablia of Jacques the Woodcutter, which occurs in Boccaccio and is reminiscent of certain bawdy Tudor works. Also of note is the tale of The Sly Thief of Valenciennes which appears in Muslem, Far Eastern, and Mediterranean literature. The two authors, both Canadian scholars of high repute, have selected works of singular charm, a charm which evolves from the unadorned validity of situation and presentation.