Storytelling: An Encyclopedia of Mythology and Folklore

by Josepha Sherman

Storytelling is an ancient practice known in all civilizations throughout history. Characters, tales, techniques, oral traditions, motifs, and tale types transcend individual cultures - elements and names change, but the stories are remarkably similar with each rendition, highlighting the values and concerns of the host culture. Examining the stories and the oral traditions associated with different cultures offers a unique view of practices and traditions." An Encyclopedia of Mythology and Folklore" brings past and present cultures of the world to life through their stories, oral traditions, and performance styles. It combines folklore and mythology, traditional arts, history, literature, and festivals to present an overview of world cultures through their liveliest and most fascinating mode of expression. This appealing resource includes specific storytelling techniques as well as retellings of stories from various cultures and traditions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Mythology, Folklore

910 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

Josepha Sherman was an American author, folklorist, and anthologist. In 1990 she won the Compton Crook Award for the novel The Shining Falcon.

Reviews

[Lesley-anne Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, and a brilliant resource for anyone interested in stories - folk tales, myths, etc.

[Michelle Funk]

Sherman, J. (ed). (2008). Storytelling: An encyclopedia of mythology and folklore (3 vol.). Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe Inc.

Citation By: Michelle Funk

Type of Reference: Encyclopedia

Call Number: JR 398 Sto

Content Scope: The focus of this reference work is the tradition of storytelling. Myths, legends, folklore and superheroes are used to showcase its development over time.

Accuracy, Authority, and Bias: M.E. Sharpe, Inc, is an award-winning publisher of reference books, and therefore considered an authority for accurate information and materials.

Arrangement and Presentation: This encyclopedia is a three-volume set. The first volume contains entries that are alphabetically listed and focus on important people, places, cultures, etc. that have played an important part in the development of storytelling. The second volume includes traditional stories that are often retold in the oral tradition. The third volume provides various storytelling resources.

Relation to Similar Works: There are very few reference works that provide such an extensive exploration of storytelling.

Timeliness and Permanence: Printed in 2008, this encyclopedia is still considered current and timely.

Accessibility/Diversity: Diverse cultures are represented in this three-volume work, which is written at a reading level that middle/high schoolers can use and appreciate.

Cost: $299

Professional Review: McBroom, K. (2008, December 15). Storytelling: An encyclopedia of mythology and folklore. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....