A Ghost, a Witch, and a Goblin

by Joseph Jacobs, Lālavihārī De, Père Castor

"The Ghost-Catcher" is from Bengal, based on "The Ghost Who Was Afraid Of Being Bagged" by Lālavihārī De in 1883.

"Baba Yaga, A Russian Witch Story" was by Père Castor in 1932.

"The Goblin And The Tailor" is Scottish, based on "The Sprightly Tailor" by Joseph Jacobs in 1892.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Halloween

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Joseph Jacobs was an Australian folklorist, literary critic, historian and writer of English literature who became a notable collector and publisher of English Folklore. His work went on to popularize some of the worlds best known versions of English fairy tales including "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Goldilocks and the three bears", "The Three Little Pigs", "Jack the Giant Killer" and "The History of Tom Thumb". He published his English fairy tale collections: English Fairy Tales in 1890 and More English Fairytales in 1894 but also went on after and in between both books to publish fairy tales collected from continental Europe as well as Jewish, Celtic and Indian Fairytales which made him one of the most popular writers of fairytales for the English language. Jacobs was also an editor for journals and books on the subject of folklore which included editing the Fables of Bidpai and the Fables of Aesop, as well as articles on the migration of Jewish folklore. He also edited editions of "The Thousand and One Nights". He went on to join The Folklore Society in England and became an editor of the society journal Folklore. Joseph Jacobs also contributed to the Jewish Encyclopedia.

For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_J...

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a childhood favorite from 1970 and contains three different stories. The Ghost Catcher, Baba Yaga - A Russian Witch Story, and The Goblin and the Tailor. All three of these are amazing tales for Halloween that can be enjoyed by many different ages. The reading is fairly simple and probably best for middle to upper elementary. The illustrations are black and white, but many have orange added as well. 

[C. (Don't blank click my reviews, comment please! · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Ghost, A Witch, And A Goblin", 1970, is a gem from time past. Three nations contributed this trilogy. Illustrator Rosalind Fry is the sole unifier. I will log authors, dates, and the Hallowe'en-esque cover with Goodreads. No information except one translator, Rose Celli, had been given. These spooky overseas tales are a valuable sampling and I enjoyed each journey's style. A perspective from another place and time cuts through the stagnancy of familiar fables that are recycled overmuch. The personality in these was boundless and spunky!

"The Ghost-Catcher" is a tricky demonstration of intelligence and self-preservation from Bengal, based on "The Ghost Who Was Afraid Of Being Bagged" by Lālavihārī De in 1883. A man wanted to be a farmer, instead of a barber like his Dad. It behoved him to keep his barber's kit. On his walk to the city, he used it to escape two ghosts!

"Baba Yaga, A Russian Witch Story" is identified with exactitude by its title and it is one of the most satisfying, creative little tales I have ever seen! A little girl's Dad remarried and did not know the successor was evil. When she attempts to get rid of the child by sending her for sewing supplies from her sister, she wisely seeks out her true aunt: her Mom's sister. This woman reveals that the evil lady's sister is Baba Yaga, a known witch and tells the child how to arm herself from the dangers in and outside her abode. Servants, pets, and trees are involved in a drama I will read again! It was by Père Castor in 1932.

"The Goblin And The Tailor" is Scottish, a shorter trial on the theme of proving one's worth and overcoming evil: based on "The Sprightly Tailor", compiled by Australian Joseph Jacobs in 1892.

[Samara O'Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated collection of Halloween folk tales… reminds me that no matter how much the story of Baba Yaga is retold, her iron teeth and little house that stands on chicken legs are spine-chilling!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old folk tales- these are the genuine article. This was my first introduction to Baba Yaga, a much scarier witch than any modern version. When I was a child I read this little book to taters. Now my children read it, too.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyright 1970, three folk tales. One from Bengal, one from Russia & one from Scotland. The text is probably too long for younger children. Older elementary & up should have no trouble. An older Scholastic.

These are likable tales of children & young adults outwitting a ghost, witch & a goblin. I liked them, but my kids were bored with the long text.

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but cute

[Megan Biter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tales for Halloween to share with older children and to discuss the different tales from other countries and cultures.

[DeadlyDoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short book. It is a perfect Halloween story for little children, because there is no super scary parts at all. Spooky, not scary.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nostalgia