Russian gypsy tales

by James Riordan

Rich in cultural significance, social commentary, and popular beliefs, the tales found in this series represent the best, the most intriguing, and the most curious of oral literature from cultures whose legends, myths, and folklore have been largely unavailable in English until now. These marvelous stories were narrated by gypsies from Leningrad, Novgorod, Moscow, Tula, Smolensk and Gorky region, and from Karelia and Siberia. Their tales are passionate, colorful and distinctive, and have little in common with the folk tales of other nations. The gypsy folk song is unknown, and the gypsy folk and fairy tale not known at all, making this a unique collection.

Tales include:
Vaida and Ruzha; The Enchanted Hinny; Broken Beads; Saint George and the Gypsies; The Outcast; Vasya Whitefeet; Gypsies who all but Cheated Themselves; The Queen of Spades; The Gypsy who almost Swapped Places with a Devil; The Adventures of Pichta, Helado and Bota; Nivasi and Kesali; The Gypsy who did not Keep his Word; Death and the Gypsy; Sarina; Thunder Clap; Why Gypsies Love God; The Dead Encampment; Adventures of the Gypsy Fool; Three Nincompoops; The Gypsy and the Wolf; Gypsy Porridge; The Night Bird; How a Gypsy went in Search of Woe; Marichka; How Fedot Outwitted the Devil; The Bold Banotery Gypsy; The Chestnut Bay; Choosing a Bride; How the Devil Played Hell with a Gypsy; The Gypsy and the Priest; Would you Like to be Rich?; The Devil and the Gypsy; The Tyrant Czar; Zapyla the Gypsy; The Sorcerer and his Apprentice; Why Gypsies are Scattered about the Earth.

Genres: Russia, Short Stories, Folklore, Folk Tales, Nonfiction, Fairy Tales

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1989

About the author

Riōdan, Jeimuzu 1936-2012
Riordan, Dž.
Riordan, Džejms.
Riordan, James
Riordan, James William 1936-2012
Riordan, Jim, 1936-2012

James Riordan (10 October 1936 – 10 February 2012) was an English novelist, broadcaster, sports historian, association football player and Russian scholar.

Well known for his work Sport in Soviet Society, the first academic look at sport in the Soviet Union, and for his children's novels.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of folk tales, especially centered on the supernatural and tricksters getting themselves out of scrapes (sometimes even against the supernatural ;) ). I liked the author's introduction as it gave a bit of extra insight and context, as well as the use of some traditional words to keep the feel of the original tales intact.

[Hannah Lulu · Rating 1 out of 5]

In an effort to read global folk literature, I was hoping to read folktales that Roma people may pass to their children from one generation to the next. I don't understand where or how the stories were collected, but rather than Roma folktales these seem more likely to be a collection of tales that feature "gypsies" (perhaps the title should have been a giveaway of the content)--usually in unsavory roles, committing acts of theft, trickery, and wife beating. Therefore I cannot recommend. Interestingly, some of the stories I'd read other versions of in other books that did not include "gypsy" as a character, and now I wonder which version came first.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories! They gave me a flavor of the Russian gypsy culture and make me want to know more. I truly enjoyed the writing style- I could easily imagine being told these stories sitting by a campfire and a glass of vodka. Come to think of it, this book is coming along on my next camping trip!

[Margit · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of folk tales. A lot about gypsies tricking and fooling non-gypsies and devils. Some stories of undead. I was hoping for inspiration for my next novel, but nothing struck me immediately. Perhaps after stewing around in my subconscious for a while, something will pop up eventually.

[Jeremy Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little collection of Gypsy folk tales. Gives great insight into Rom thinking and how verbal (they don't like writing anything down) storytelling has carried their mores and principles for thousands of years.

[Risica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The many folk tales in this book are all interesting in their own rite. Some are funny, ironic, sad, or just a plain good story. If I had children, I would read these stories aloud. This book is a wonderful and eye-opening read for adults, and can be entertaining for kids as well.

[Kldeighton]

More about gypsies by Gorjer than tales by Gypsies