A Treasury of African Folklore: The Oral Literature, Traditions, Myths, Legends, Epics, Tales, Recollections, Sayings, and Humor of Africa

In A Treasury of African Folklore, esteemed novelist and folklorist Harold Courlander brings together an extensive and unique collection of lore, recollections, epics, traditions, beliefs, historical chronicles, and poetry as told by the peoples of the African continent. In this fascinating exploration of the unwritten literature of the Sudan, the West Coast, the Bantu regions, the eastern grasslands, and the northeastern Horn, Courlander brings to light the diversity in history, origin myths, and tales of the Hausa, Kanuri, Ashanti, Zulu, Mensa, and numerous other peoples. These collected works also reflect the widely differing cultures and traditions found in sub-Saharan Africa, the differing concepts of creation and existence, and the social values that have motivated African peoples in their pursuit of a meaningful life and an understanding of the physical and spiritual attributes of the world around them. Filled with engaging stories -- both lighthearted and meaningful -- and the history behind them, A Treasury of African Folklore will captivate and inspire you with the richness and beauty of the African oral tradition.