The diverse peoples of the former Yugoslavia offer us a rich folk tradition with lively tales to delight readers of all ages. Marshall has selected 33 stories that represent all major population groups of the region, including South Slavic, Yugoslav Albanian, and Yugoslav Romany. Translated from their original languages and retold for a broad audience, these tales demonstrate the diversity and unity of the region. A fascinating historical overview, background information, color photos of the people and the land, maps, and more make this a wonderful resource for entertainment and study.
Explore the rich Balkan folk tradition through 33 stories that represent all major population groups of the former Yugoslavia. Translated and retold from their original languages, these tales demonstrate the unique dynamic of both diversity and unity within the region. Historical information, color photos of the people and the land, and maps are included.
57 bittersweet stories offering a unique glimpse of this irresistible and enthralling country, where locals say, "Ca la noi, la nimeni. There's nobody quite like us." Ormsby's colourful characters will entertain, educate and enrage. It usually depends on who is reading. Close your guide book, meet the people.
One of Wall Street Journal’s “Five Best of World War II Fiction” A BBC miniseries starring Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh A spellbinding chronicle of a marriage and a panoramic account of Eastern Europe during WWII—the “finest fictional record of the war produced by a British writer” (Anthony Burgess) The Balkan Trilogy is the story of a marriage and of a war, a vast, teeming, and complex masterpiece in which Olivia Manning brings the uncertainty and adventure of civilian existence under political and military siege to vibrant life. Manning’s focus is not the battlefield but the café and kitchen, the bedroom and street, the fabric of the everyday world that has been irrevocably changed by war, yet remains unchanged. At the heart of the trilogy are newlyweds Guy and Harriet Pringle, who arrive in Bucharest—the so-called Paris of the East—in the fall of 1939, just weeks after the German invasion of Poland. Guy, an Englishman teaching at the university, is as wantonly gregarious as his wife is introverted, and Harriet is shocked to discover that she must share her adored husband with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Other surprises follow: Romania joins the Axis, and before long German soldiers overrun the capital. The Pringles flee south to Greece, part of a group of refugees made up of White Russians, journalists, con artists, and dignitaries. In Athens, however, the couple will face a new challenge of their own, as great in its way as the still-expanding theater of war.
Twenty years on from the end of war, the status of the north of Kosovo remains disputed. Ten years on from Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia, the north’s predominantly Serb population continues to resist integration. Education, health, and other vital services continue to be provided by Serbia. These latent tensions regularly surface through various forms of resistance, including protests and barricades (most notably those of 2011); resistance which has many historical precedents. Ian Bancroft provides an original ethnographic account of the reality in north Kosovo, mixing first-hand interviews and anecdotes with historical background and academic insight. He explores a diverse array of themes, including the Trepča mines, religious and cultural life, and the Main Bridge over the river Ibar, which has become a symbol of the divided town of Mitrovica. Bancroft examines memories of the war and 2004 riots, and the daily realities of local governance and politics in a post-war environment. The book also goes to the heart of the border/boundary regions, the multi-ethnic Bošnjačka Mahala, and mixed areas on the periphery to tell the stories of those caught-up on the front-lines of conflict. As such, it offers valuable insights for aspiring peacebuilders into the challenges of working in a context of considerable complexity.
Inspired by a life-long passion for travel, Stuart McMillan embarked on a journey of over 2,000km, crossing the continent from the Baltic Sea to the Balkan coast. The book provides personal observations and reflections on a fascinating world hidden for decades behind an Iron Curtain. It gives the reader a glimpse of how the history, culture, years of oppression and brutal wars have shaped these beautiful lands and the people who live there. Starting in Lithuania, a journey weaving through the beautiful and often mysterious Slavic lands all the way to Croatia - taking in Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It includes travelling in a 44-degree heatwave; taking a short-cut via Moscow; experiencing a chaotic sleeper train out of Ukraine; coping with the failure of all air-conditioning and lighting on a long-haul train down to Serbia; learning about the legacy of both Nazi and Communist oppression; and seeing first-hand the scars and re-built splendour of Sarajevo and Mostar following the recent brutal, and often forgotten, Yugoslav wars. As well as recounting the beauty of the countries and cities visited, and reflecting on the years of oppression and wars that shaped the landscapes and cultures, it also captures the emotions of travelling alone for weeks through foreign lands – the freedom to experience so much of countries hidden away from the world for so long; the reliance on internal narrative for company; and the bouts of homesickness that often conflict with the author’s love of travel.
Ancestors of the nomadic group called San (or Bushmen) once roamed the northern territories of Africa and the Mediterranean. Now inhabiting the Kalahari desert (the place that dried up long ago) in South Africa, these fascinating people are known for their astonishing memory, extraordinary talents for hunting and tracking, superior abilities for finding food and water, and great storytelling. Here then is a portrait of one of the world's oldest and most remarkable cultures and its environment. The group's history, nomadic way of life, beliefs, customs, and stories are offered to readers with exquisite illustrations and color photographs of people, animals, and the land. Fifteen traditional tales, such as The Rain Bull, The First Tug-of-War, In Search of the Golden Prize, and All the Stars of Heaven, are presented in poetic verse and juxtaposed with commentary on the challenges this group faces today. The author has also included a glossary and a bibliography of resources for further study.
Although there are many collections of Chinese folktales, few if any focus specifically on the tales of Taiwan, which have evolved in a tradition separate and distinct from that of mainland China. This wonderful sampling of more than 20 Taiwanese tales will appeal to all ages, illuminating Taiwanese culture and demonstrating Taiwanese values and ethics. In addition, readers will find a brief history of the island, discussion questions, and activity ideas to extend learning and enjoyment, as well as simple Taiwanese recipes, color photos, and traditional drawings. Stories can be read aloud to younger students, while older children will enjoy reading and performing them on their own. This delightful introduction to Taiwanese traditions is a superb educational tool, and a great addition to the storytelling shelf. Grades K-12.
In this delightful collection, you'll find more than 30 Russian tales—animal tales, fairy tales, tales of everyday life, and tales of spirits and the supernatural. You'll discover new renditions of familiar and beloved tales, as well as a number of obscure spirit tales, which were officially ignored by the Soviets. There are tales for all ages and tastes—funny stories, scary stories, and stories to make you think. In addition you'll find a fascinating overview of the country and its history, activity ideas and recipes, color photographs, and a list of recommended reading. An outstanding resource for educators, storytellers, and general readers, this is an essential addition to the folklore shelf in school and public libraries. Grades K-12.
Here is a treasury of favorite and little known tales from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Oceania, gracefully retold and accompanied by fascinating, detailed information of their historic and cultural backgrounds. The introduction provides an informative overview of folklore, its purpose in world cultures and in contemporary society and popular culture. Following this, the main sections of the book are arranged by tale type, covering wonder tales, hero tales, tales of kindness repaid and hope and redemption, and finally tales of fools and wise people. Each section begins by comparing the tales cross-culturally, explaining similarities and differences in the folkloric narratives. Tales from diverse cultures are then presented, introduced, and retold in a highly readable fashion.
