It’s been more than a hundred years since the publication of the first Uncle Remus book, and it was in 1955 that all of the delightful and inimitab...
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Jul 24, 2011
All tales are Anansi's, but especially these. The formal history of this book (probably at least partly fictional) is that Harris heard the Gullah Trickster tales he renders into more conventional English as a child, and wrote the essentially oral tales up in order to introduce them to a wider audience. Ok, he could have done a more sensitive job by modern standards. But at least he tried.
I haven't read this edition. Regrettably, I don't remember which edition I DID read. The ed More...
I haven't read this edition. Regrettably, I don't remember which edition I DID read. The ed More...
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Jun 29, 2011
Ginger
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Uncle Remus
In their original vernacular, the tales of Brier Rabbit can be a challenge to read at any age; however, as these stories were meant to be shared orally, a good storyteller would be able to get the diction, accents, and mannerisms down just right to give these characters life. The tales themselves are a play on the good versus evil theme found in almost all traditional literature. Brier Rabbit is constantly being harassed byBrier Bear and Brier Fox as they want o enjoy him More...
In their original vernacular, the tales of Brier Rabbit can be a challenge to read at any age; however, as these stories were meant to be shared orally, a good storyteller would be able to get the diction, accents, and mannerisms down just right to give these characters life. The tales themselves are a play on the good versus evil theme found in almost all traditional literature. Brier Rabbit is constantly being harassed byBrier Bear and Brier Fox as they want o enjoy him More...
Jul 25, 2008
Gracielou
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I cut my teeth on these stories. They were told to me time and again by my Grandmother and a Great Aunt and bedtime was not the same without Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby.
The patois that Harris writes in is probably not considered politically correct today. But when I read his words I drift back to a childhood filled with people I loved both white and African American, enveloping hugs, fried chicken, hot biscuits and gentle magnolia scented nights.
The patois that Harris writes in is probably not considered politically correct today. But when I read his words I drift back to a childhood filled with people I loved both white and African American, enveloping hugs, fried chicken, hot biscuits and gentle magnolia scented nights.
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May 15, 2011
Elaine
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These are so much fun to read, and I was surprised. Because of one reason or another, which I understand, they have been considered not worthy, but the author preserved a type of American language which will be lost, so I found them worthwhile. The tales are short, and could be a kind of late 19th. or 20th. century Aesop's Fables. The telling of each tale is done by Uncle Remus in his dialect while the animals share that same Southern rural style. The time period of these tellings are post-C
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Jan 15, 2009
Kathleen
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my favorite memories of my mamaw were her reading the tales of Br'er Rabbit while we were snuggled in bed. I on one side of her and Sandy on the other side. I can still smell the ponds on her face when I think about it. Lovely times. The stories were engaging and mamaw could imitate the language perfectly because in many ways it was the way she talked. It was just funny and full of adventures of animals that talked. We loved it and begged her to read them over and over.
Jan 20, 2012
This book is actually set up like a chapter book, and I was surprised to see that most of the stories being told in the book were common tales, like the Fox, Hare and Turtle, or How the Sun came to Be? It is a little repetitive, but if you don't want to buy several books, I would recommend purchasing this one because it includes all of the animal folktales.
Jul 31, 2011
Debbie
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We absolutely loved these stories (just read the first section: Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings), but beware the "n" word. Dialect can be confusing to read as well. Definitely an edited read-aloud in our family.
Sep 02, 2009
Melissa
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I loved these stories. They capture so much about life - not just in the South but at the core of people.
Feb 13, 2011
I purchased this for my mother. For some reason, she told me she didn't want it. Here it sits.
Mar 27, 2008
m42martin
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This is not a commentary on, nor an abuse of racism. This book is filled with powerful tales of the evil and the undoing and conniving of men. It is about betrayals and confidence tricksters and outright liars either getting what they deserve, or getting away scott free. If all you know of Joel Chandler Harris is The Tar Baby, you have been sorely misled.
Mar 27, 2008
m42martin
rated it:
This is not a commentary on, nor an abuse of racism. This book is filled with powerful tales of the evil and the undoing and conniving of men. It is about betrayals and confidence tricksters and outright liars either getting what they deserve, or getting away scott free. If all you know of Joel Chandler Harris is The Tar Baby, you have been sorely misled.
Jun 24, 2008
Tori
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What a crazy book this is to love as an aware adult growing up in this society. My dad read these stories to us when we were traveling as a child. As a lover of all literature and writing, I have stayed completely enamored with the dialect and the stories as I've tried to learn more about them. This book has a place in history, and my life.
Aug 20, 2007
Mary
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I think it's such a shame that the politically correct literary critics of the world have somehow managed to call this book racist. It reflects a certain time and mindset, I guess, but what it is is a bunch of gloriously imaginative animal stories for children.
Mar 27, 2008
Jessica
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Written in southern vernacular. A delight. Even better to be read outloud. My dad used to read us these stories. They are southern versions of aesop's tales. The language is a joy.
Mar 11, 2008
Alexandra
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I did a research project in undergrad on the origins and language of these stories. If you ever want to know about this author or these stories...ask.
Jan 28, 2008
Kerrmuellers
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If you are into linguistics this book is brilliant. A peek into linguistics that shapes the US.
Feb 11, 2012
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