Types of the Folktale in the Arab World: A Demographically Oriented Tale-Type Index

by Hasan M. El-Shamy

Types of the Folktale in the Arab World is an index and preliminary analysis of folktales told by the diverse ethnic groups that populate what is commonly called "the Arab World." It is also a comprehensive and interdisciplinary guide to tales told in related cultural spheres, from sub-Saharan Africa to Turkey and beyond. A folktale’s emergence, spread, stability, change, continued presence, or disappearance among certain social groups depends on specific psychological, social, and cultural forces. While Hasan El-Shamy has adopted the familiar tale-type classification system employed by Antti Aarne and Stith Thompson, he also seeks to remedy the Eurocentric shortcomings of their system by addressing folklore as behavior, striving to bring the psychosocial foundation for the Arab renditions to this comprehensive and inclusive index. Types of the Folktale in the Arab World is destined to become an indispensable reference work for all who are interested in Arab culture and the folktale.

Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Professor of folklore, Department of Folklore and Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Indiana University.

Reviews

[Mike Ballantyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential reference work for typologists, this most excellent book continues the first-rate research and writing of El-Shamy. One might almost go so far as saying that this is the pinnacle of his writing but, with so many other essential works written by him, such a comparison would be redundant.