Fred was already an old man when he began delivering, with every load of firewood, lively tales about bygone times in old Vermont. He had a real talent for spinning yarns and recounting a vivid chapter of Vermont's history, which somehow has failed to reach the learned history books; though Fred's tales speak volumes about the rugged people who live in Vermont. Fred's skill was the art of historical recounting through storytelling. But Fred's tales were not the stories of battles, politics or governmental upheavals. Rather they were always humorous and they were the stories of real people struggling to survive and better themselves.
The second book in a new trilogy of twisted fairy tales from New York Times bestselling author James Riley, set in the world of his popular Half Upon a Time series, that’s perfect for fans of Fablehaven and Chris Colfer’s A Tale of Magic series! Lena might finally be accepted by the other giants after helping to defeat the Golden King and his faceless army in the Cursed City, but that doesn’t mean life has become any easier for her. The power-hungry Golden King wants revenge and has begun spreading shadow magic out over the kingdoms, taking over the minds of anyone it touches, and instilling fear and hatred as it goes. The fairy queens, the most magical beings in the kingdoms, say their sacred book, Tales of All Things, claims that there is one person who can defeat the Golden King and his dark spells: Lena. But only if she first proves herself worthy by completing three challenges. All Lena ever wanted was to prove she is really a giant. Now she has to be so much more. Can she and her genie friend, Jin, save the human world that doesn’t trust them, or will they fall prey to shadow magic, and doom everything?
A fascinating survey of the entire history of tall tales, folklore, and mythology in the United States from earliest times to the present, including stories and myths from the modern era that have become an essential part of contemporary popular culture. Folklore has been a part of American culture for as long as humans have inhabited North America, and increasingly formed an intrinsic part of American culture as diverse peoples from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania arrived. In modern times, folklore and tall tales experienced a rejuvenation with the emergence of urban legends and the growing popularity of science fiction and conspiracy theories, with mass media such as comic books, television, and films contributing to the retelling of old myths. This multi-volume encyclopedia will teach readers the central myths and legends that have formed American culture since its earliest years of settlement. Its entries provide a fascinating glimpse into the collective American imagination over the past 400 years through the stories that have shaped it. Organized alphabetically, the coverage includes Native American creation myths, "tall tales" like George Washington chopping down his father's cherry tree and the adventures of "King of the Wild Frontier" Davy Crockett, through to today's "urban myths." Each entry explains the myth or legend and its importance and provides detailed information about the people and events involved. Each entry also includes a short bibliography that will direct students or interested general readers toward other sources for further investigation. Special attention is paid to African American folklore, Asian American folklore, and the folklore of other traditions that are often overlooked or marginalized in other studies of the topic.
Connecticut—a New England state with a proud history and vibrant culture. But there is more to this place than white church steeples and town greens. In the forests and meadows surrounding these quaint, colonial towns lurk spine-chilling ghosts protecting Captain Kidd’s treasure, the abode of the Devil himself, and shadowy creatures such as the Glawackus, all awaiting the next hiker to stumble down the trail. For years, the stories of these mysterious beings and places existed only in whispers and campfire tales, but now for the first time these legends have been collected and retold in one volume: Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut. Alongside each of these captivating tales is the necessary route and trailhead information brave readers will need to go beyond their town lines and test their nerve. Proud to support Friends of Connecticut State Parks with a portion of the royalties.
Don't you just love a good ghost story? A Vermont Haunted History is brimming with a collection of Vermont ghost stories, haunted locations and mysterious people and places. Just the type of reading you will want to indulge in on a dark, rainy evening. Vermont is famous for maple syrup and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream but perhaps it's best kept secret are the delightfully creepy ghost stories and legends that have been passed down by generations of Vermont families. Within the pages of this book, should you dare, you will find frightening tales of vengeful spirits and abandoned places. Discover why some of the 19th century curses still exist today and what happened to some of the victims. You will marvel at the amazing burial places, mausoleums and monuments, including the story of one man's elaborate tomb specially constructed should he suddenly awaken and find himself buried alive! Vermont has a number of haunted inns and hotels including one benevolent, tap dancing spirit and others that refuse to leave. The story of "Black Agnes" comes with a twist, you simply won't expect. All of this including a companion website with tons of photos and video that accompany these chilling tales. Enjoy, if you dare!
As Martha looked through her mother's notes and also reflected on her own life, she realized there were other unfinished books about the Adirondacks. For example, she has written An Adirondack Scotch Pine Love Story and, in conjunction with her husband, a biography of Tom Norman, a well known farmer and entrepreneur in the North Country. This book of Adirondack Tall Tales is derived mostly from Helen Tyler's previous books, but there are two stories that have not appeared in earlier works. Martha added a discussion of folk tales and tall tales. She also added a brief multi-cultural comparison of a folk tale from Africa to show the difference between tall and folk tales. MARTHA TYLER JOHN Helen Escha Tyler (1892-1986) lived in the Adirondacks nearly 95 years and wrote several books about the Adirondacks. Martha Tyler John, was born in Saranac Lake, New York, and returned to the Adirondacks frequently. After receiving her doctorate from Stanford University, she enjoyed a lengthy career as a professor and university administrator. She wrote dozens of books and articles and also edited her mother's last book, a biography of Paul Smith, that was published by North Country Books.
