Product Description
Reprint of W. R. S. Ralston's Songs of the Russian People. Contents:Chapter I. IntroductoryChapter II: Section I.--The Old GodsSection II.--Demigods and FairiesSection III.--Storyland BeingsChapter III: Mythic And Ritual SongsChapter IV: Marriage SongsChapter V: Funeral SongsChapter VI: Sorcery and Witchcraft ... Read more

Product Description
A scholarly work that aims to be both broad enough in scope to satisfy upper-division undergraduates studying folk belief and narrative and detailed enough to meet the needs of graduate students in the field. Each of the seven chapters in Part 1 focuses on one aspect of Russian folk belief, such as the pagan background, Christian personages, devils and various other logical categories of the topic. The author's thesis - that Russian folk belief represents a "double faith" whereby Slavic pagan beliefs are overlaid with popular Christianity - is persuasive and has analogies in other cultures. The folk narratives constituting Part 2 are translated and include a wide range of tales, from the briefly anecdotal to the more fully developed narrative, covering the various folk personages and motifs explored in Part 1. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not What I Was Looking For
I was hoping to find out more about Russian fairy tales. Unfortunately, this book is more about the sort of mythology Russians actually believe (or believed) than the stories they might tell but not actually believe. For example, the book talks a lot about things like which saints Russian peasants believed would help their crops grow, but barely talks at all about Baba Yaga or Koschei the Deathless.

The book is fine for what it is, but it wasn't what I was looking for.

College nrequirement
This text was an additional purchase for a college class but well worth it.The text is easy to read and understand... thus easier to bridge information from one lecture to the next.

Great Introduction to Russian Popular Belief
This book consists of two roughly equal parts. In the first part, which is more scholarly in tone and scope, the author summarizes the Russian pagan background, and thoroughly explores the themes and especially the characters of the Russian folk pantheon: the Devil; Christian personages such as Nicholas, George, and Elijah; the various household spirits such as the Domovoi (household spirit), Dvorovoi (yard), Bannik (steam bath), Ovinnik (threshing floor); and nature spirits such as the Leschii (forest spirit), Vodianoi (water spirit, inhabiting lakes, streams, and water mills), Polevoi (spirits of the fields and meadows), and the famous Rusalka, made iconic in Russian literature for the beauty which is at once entrancing and treacherous. There is also a section on Russian magic and sorcery.

As a previous reviewer noted, this first section, while very interesting, drags at times. I think the author belabors her points too much in an effort to ensure the reader remembers them for the second part, which consists of actual tales. But since these themes and characters are not difficult to digest, stating them once is sufficient.

The second part is composed of eighty-nine actual tales recorded by Russian and Soviet folklorists from different regions of Russia, which illustrate and characterizethe motifs put forth in part one. These tales are very simply and beautifully told, and would be by themselves worth the price of the book.

Very informative, but slightly flawed
PROS:
-Ivanits makes all the information precise: she cites every reference, and does an excellent job at avoiding one-sided viewpoints.
-Almost everything is never confusing. There is no such thing as too much detail.
-The fables and myths in this book are very compelling, very entertaining to read.
-The relations between Orthodox Christianity and Paganism, and the genesis between them, certainly grabs the attention due to the author's way of descriptions and narratives.

CONS:
-While the second half contains the fables and myths, the first half is all non-fiction, giving details on the origins and structures of these many folk beliefs. Sometimes it drags. I don't mind that much, really, but it may not be good for those who you want to get on with the stories.
-You might need a dictionary handy, because there are some complex words that will be quite unfamiliar.

In conclusion, this is a provocative, excellent introduction to Russian folklore and its roots. A-

Wonderful reference for folklore and culture mavens!
Ivanits' Russian Folk Belief is a very useful, straightforward, and engrossing book about the beliefs of the Russian people, specifically focused on the dvovorie (dual-faith) Russian Orthodoxy/paganism practiced throughout the culture's history in the last millennium. It is well-written, does not condescend, and yet, is very readable and informative. This is a good place to start, for those curious about Russian historical folklore and spiritual belief. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
The coming of Christianity to the state of Kievan Rus' at the end of the tenth century had an enormous impact on the development of Russian civilization. Despite the abandonment of the pagan gods, both Christian and pagan practices and beliefs continued to coexist for centuries, producing a system known as "dual faith." Russian Myths deals with mythic beliefs, notions, and customs--concerning the veneration of earth, water, fire, and air, demons and spirit-beings in the world of nature, the cult of the dead, and witchcraft--many of which have their roots in the pre-Christian past but still survive to the present day. To illuminate the evolution of major themes and motifs and set Russian myths in the context of mythology the world over, Elizabeth Warner draws upon a rich variety of sources, including anecdotal narrative forms and religious legends, epic songs, funeral laments and folk religion, and, of course, the folktales where the sacred gives way to pure imagination in the depiction of mythic themes and characters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Depending on your requirements, this may not be the book for you.
If you are looking for a lot of information on Russian myths and/or folk beliefs, this extremely slender and overpriced volume is not the place to turn.(As an alternative, you might try Russian Folk Belief by Linda Ivanits, which, while a bit too scholarly in tone for easy digestion, is still full of valuable bits of information.In particular, I appreciate how she places beliefs and mythology in the context of both time and place, as these folk beliefs change over time.)The mythology in Russian Myths, while fine for what it is, can be found in other places as well--with more stories.However, as I was looking for reference material related to the region's folk beliefs, this was fairly useless to me.

Good quality book
This is a very good book for those who like folklore: everything is in concentrated form, well-illustrated, rather easy to read in comparison with most research books. Logical, clear, very useful in Russian Folklore Course.

Good introduction to Slavic Pagan Beliefs
Really just as much about Russian Pagan beliefs, Gods, folklore and folk custom as much as any Russian mythological system. Its a short and basic book but is also full of nice illustrations. This seems to me like a very good introductory book for someone studying this books subject matter. I look forward to reading more about the Slavic interpretations of the Indo-European Gods in the future. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
A collection of the classic Russian folk and fairy tales. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Wow!
Oh. My. Goodness. Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down. I was so happy to find such a comprehensive collection, and explanations for the cultural expressions, too!

It was also funny to note that pretty much every single hero is named Ivan... And the Russian stories are so different from stories elsewhere in the world. I definitely recommend this book!

Poor service
I ordered this product, was notified it was paid for and shipped, but never received it.

Great Collection, but Quantity over Quality
Fairy tales, or fictional stories related to local folklore, have long been an important part in the Russian cultural tradition.Very popular throughout Russian history, these rich and diverse tales were typically passed from generation to generation orally due to the fact that the vast majority of Russians were illiterate.However, these stories were not just for the Russian serfs and poor.Rich and poor alike enjoyed these stories, including the Czars.For example, Czar Ivan IV (the Terrible) was said to have "three old blind men [following] each other at his bedside, relating fairy tales before he slumbered".The book Russian Fairy Tales, collected by Aleksandr Afanas'ev and translated by Norbert Guterman, gathers and translates many of these fairy tale stories into one source.

The book itself consists of a large amount of stories (179 total) followed at the end of the book by a folkloristic commentary.There is no apparent ordering to the stories; they seem randomly dispersed.The vast majority of the stories are very short, averaging only a few pages each.In fact, many of the stories are less than a page long.I would have preferred less and longer stories, which are more complicated and detailed.Fortunately, there were a few such stories in the book, which I found to be the most enjoyable ones.The book is handsomely illustrated throughout by Alexander Alexeieff in a style resembling wood carvings, matching the feel and style of the stories perfectly.The commentary at the end of the book, written by Russian linguist Roman Jokobson, goes into depth about the history of folklore in Russia and how these stories were passed on.It is well written and very informative and enjoyable, offering an insight into the process and cultural basis of these stories.

The stories themselves are very diverse yet simple.There are a few common themes throughout, including regular appearances by Baba Yaga (a witch-like character), anthropomorphic animals, and peasant empowerment.Many of the stories also have dark themes, characters, and events that would seem inappropriate in today's children stories.For example, there are many instances of death and limbs or heads being hacked off.Like most fairy tales, most of the stories end with a positive lesson or moral; the overly greedy get punished and the heroic and respectful get rewarded.However, there are a few odd stories that seem to have no moral and end abruptly, such as one below:
The bear entered the room.From fear the old man groaned [...] and the old woman coughed [...].The bear found them and ate them.
Maybe this is just a facet of Russian humor, but it seems quirky and out of place.However, the stories are for the most part entertaining, albeit a bit repetitive after the first hundred or so.

Altogether, Russian Fairy Tales delivers exactly what its title describes.Unfortunately, the author decided to go with quantity over quality.There are just too many extremely short stories and not enough long stories.That does not mean the works are not enjoyable, the reader just has to sift through a lot of less enjoyable or odd stories to get to the gems.However, the book does offer a good insight into the Russian folklore tradition, and the commentary at the end of the book was excellent.Also, the pictures throughout the book got me into the mood of the material, which added to the overall experience.I would recommend reading the book if you have any interest in Russian fairy tales.

Superb for general reading or for serious folk tale study
I am a relatively serious student of fairy tales and folk tales. I was fascinated to find this book, and it did not disappoint at all.

I knew that Fairy Tales and folk myths in original (non-Disney) form offer a frightening glimpse into the medieval world, with death, violence, starvation, hunger, privations the norm.

This is a glimpse into the history of the world and one very well worth remembering.

Some themes are similar to those one might find elsewhere, such as in Grimm's. This does not detract from the value of this book, as many themes in world literature recur, as they are part of our collective unconscious.

A fascinating read.

Very different from what I grew up on.
These stories are great. I wouldn't read some of them to small children as they are much more scary than what we are used to with say Hans christian Anderson. I love the exotic adventures and the mystery of these tales. They take you to places so enchanting. I got it for myself as an adult and am in no way disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
When the Czar proclaims that he will marry his daughter to the man who brings him a flying ship, the Fool of the World sets out to try his luck and meets some unusual companions on the way.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Russian Folktale about determination and friendship.
"The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship" has remained to be one of the greatest Russian folktales ever told and has spawn many popular movies such as "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen."This story is written by Arthur Ransome along with illustrations by Uri Shulevitz and is an instant treat!

The story starts out with a peasant fool whose older brothers are more favored by his parents than him.One day, the Czar of Russia proclaims that whoever builds a flying ship will marry his daughter, the princess.The two older brothers start on their way as their parents give them delicious food and lavish clothes.When the fool spots all this, he begs for his parents' permission too, but his parents only scoff at him and only give him bread and water. The fool meets a strange old man along the way and they end up having beautiful feast together.Then, the old man tells the fool to follow some instructions in building a flying ship.The fool follows these instructions and has a flying ship in no time.As the fool sails in his ship, he meets a listener, a runner, a sharpshooter, a drinker, an eater, a hay-carrier, and a brushwood carrier.They head to the Czar's palace and the Czar is none too pleased about the guests, so he sets them impossible tasks to do.

This book has simplistic yet clear drawings and an imaginative style of storytelling that should be a favorite among children and paves way for other cult classics.Also, check out the Rabbit Ears' version narrated by Robin Williams.It is hilarious and creative.

Fairy Tale Treasure
So I am a sucker for fairy tales. What else do you want me to do? In true Russian fashion, a practically universal story is made larger-than-life to celebrate the underdog and spit on the upperclass. Social uprising, anyone? Political intentions aside, it's a fun, witty story for all ages, and the illustrations in those bold colors and Russian intricacy add so much!

Moral: Riches make one clever
The story of the fool and his remarkable flying ship is a classic through and through.The classic tale of how a single man is able, with the help of his clever friends, to fulfill every task the local ruler (in this case, the Czar) sets before him is both a pleasure to read and a joy to reread.In the case of the 1968 edition of this story, illustrated by Uri Shulevitz, I can't say that this is the definitive version of the tale to read to your kids.It's enjoyable, yes.It has a nice text and it flows rather well.Unfortunately, the illustrations are a bit lax and while the book is a good read, it doesn't endear itself as much as it might to the average child reader.

In this book, there was once a boy who was a fool who had two elder brothers who were intelligent.The Czar commands that whosoever brings before him a flying ship shall marry his daughter.Intrigued, the elder brothers take off to do the deed and are never heard from again.The fool also goes off and in his travels he meets a wise old man.After sharing his repast, the old man gives the lad some strict instructions that sound ridiculous but ultimately lead to a beautiful flying ship.Once the lad takes off he gathers with him every man he sees on the road, no matter how bizarre.After landing in the Czar's backyard, the peasants on the ship do not sufficiently impress the lofty ruler.He then proceeds to set a series of incredibly difficult tasks for the fool, but in the end the magic men and the boy overcome every last one.Finally, the fool marries the princess and (as a result of his riches) is now handsome, clever, and impresses everyone he meets.The end.

Completely disregarding an ending where not only do the clothes make the man but wealth as well, the book is a good one.Randsome has a nice grasp on the best ways in which to tell this tale, and the escalating silliness is impressive.I don't wish to put down the art that illustrator Uri Shulevitz worked so hard to produce for the book, but let's face facts.This is fairly bland stuff.Drawn with rather sketchy pencils and lines, the book is adequate but by no means overwhelming.The fool appears as an apple-cheeked young rapscallion but you don't really feel anything for him.Undoubtedly there are those that have loved these pictures since their youth and will be deaf to any criticisms I might offer.In such cases as those I'll merely say that should you wish to purchase this story, I recommend you sample other versions as well until you find just the right one.I doubt you'd be disappointed by a little comparison shopping.Though a fine creation and a loving book, it could do with a little pepping up in the art department.

could be even better
The story is great, if a little predictable.The young fool sets off to find a flying ship and thereby win the princess.A magical old man helps him find the ship, then the fool picks up a bunch of people on the way to the czar's palace, all of whom have these weird special talents.Once at the palace, the czar doesn't want to hand over his daughter and sets before the fool a number of tasks, which amusingly, but somewhat predictably line up with the special skills of each of the people he picked up along the way.

The illustrations leave a lot to be desired.Although they are fun, detailed and colorful, they miss many chances to illustrate the story more dramatically.This is surprising given that the illustrator claims in his bio to be a filmmaker in addition to a children's book author.His illustrations need some close-ups and more interesting angles!

Still, I would recommend this book, it is a wonderful example of a Russian folk tale.In the hands of another author and illustrator, it could be even better!

My Favorite Picture Book
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship by Arthur Ransome with illustrations by Uri Shulevitz is easily my favorite picture book. Everything is perfect about the book. First of all the pictures are marvelous. All of Shulevitz's books have good pictures, but this might be his best. The pictures jump off the page with their color and with the humor portrayed in them. The story is, of course, the best part of the book. The story is hilarious with marvelously interesting characters. It also has some good morals like "God loves simple folk." I work in a library, and adults and kids all love this book. I have also seen the book performed for children, and it proved to be excellent for reading aloud. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship is an amazing picture book and deseves is Caldecott Medal and its classic status. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Social Science / Folklore ... Read more

Product Description
In this delightful collection, you'll find more than 30 Russian tales-animal tales, fairy tales, tales of everyday life, and tales of the spirit and the supernatural. You'll discover new renditions of familiar and beloved tales, as well as a number of obscure "spirit tales", which have been officially ignored by the Soviets for the past 75 years. There are tales for all ages and tastes-funny stories, scary stories, and stories to make you think. In addition you'll find a fascinating overview of the country and its history, activity ideas and recipes, color photographs, and a list of recommended reading. An outstanding resource for educators, storytellers, and general readers, this is an essential addition to the folklore shelf in school and public libraries. Grades K-12. ... Read more

Product Description
A young woman's love transforms a monster into a handsome prince in this retelling of a classic Russian folktale, a version of "Beauty and the Beast." ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Autobiography of a Russian who came to the U.S. to escape persecution of the Jews, there. He became a printer and a reporter for various socialist journals, then. ... Read more

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THE GOLDEN :MOUNTAIN. THERE was once upon a time a merchant's son who squalldered and wasted all his goods. To such a pass did he come at last that he had nothing to en,t. So he seized a spade, went out into the market-place, and began waiting to see if anyone would hire him as a. Jabourer. And behold, the 111erchant v!lowns one in seven hundred] came. along t.hat way in his gilded coach; all the dny-labourers saW him, and the whole lot of them i11111lediately scattered in every direction and hid themselves in corners. The luerchant's son alone of thClll all renlained standing in the marketplace. "Do you want work, young 111an ~" said the merchant who was one in seven hundred; "theu take 1 I. (3. the merchant who was seven hundred times richer than l a ny one else. B

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; THE GOLDE~ )IOU~TAIN; ~lOROZ~O; Till': FLYIXG SulP; THE MliZHICHEK - AS - nlG-AS - YOUR - THUMH- WITH-MOUSTACHESSErEK-"; ERSTS-LOXG; THE STORY OF THE TSAREVICU IVAN, AND OF THE UAHI:'; THAT BARPED WITHOUT A HARPER; THE STOllY OF GORE-GORINSKOE; GO I KXOW NOT WHITHER-FETCH I l{NOW NOT WHAT; Kl1Z'~C SKononOG~TY ?? ·; THE TSAREVN A JOVEUN ESS-INEXIIA usn BLE; VERLlOKA; TfIE FROG-TSAREVNA; THE TWO SO~S OF IVAN THE SOLDlBn; TIlE WOMAN-ACCUSER ; THOMAS REREXNIKOV; THE WHITE DUCK; TUB TALE OF LITTLE FOOL IVAN; PAO!!:; 1; S; 13; 22; 3-i; 5G; G-l; 85; 94,; 111; 118; 1<)- ~(; 143; 130; J5!J; IG5; Yll1 CONTE;YTS; PAGE; THE L1TTLE FEATHER OF FEXIST TIlE EnIGll! }'ALCO~ 188; TilE TALE OF TIlE PEd~ANT DElIIYN 200; THE ENCH_XTED lU:s'G 201; THE DIU VE LABOURER 220; THE SAGE DA;lSEL 222; THE PllOPlIETlC DREAM 22f>; TWO OUT OF THE KNAPSACK 245; TRE STORY Ok' 1>!AnKO TUB IUCII A~D VASILY THl: LUCRLES!:) 252

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical w ... Read more

Product Description
Gennady Aygi's poetry has always stood outside the mainstream of Russian poetry. Ethnically Chuvash (a Turkic minority group) Aygi has been short-listed for the Nobel Prize, [and was featured in Zephyr's collection, In the Grip of Strange Thoughts]. Translator Peter France has worked with Aygi throughout his career. ... Read more