Folktales from India - Paperback

by A. K. Ramanujan (Author)

An enchanting collection of 110 tales, translated from twenty-two different languages, that are by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic. Gods disguised as beggars and beasts, animals enacting Machiavellian intrigues, sagacious jesters and magical storytellers, wise counselors and foolish kings--all inhabit a fabular world, yet one that is also firmly grounded in everyday life. Here is an indispensable guide to India's ageless folklore tradition.

Front Jacket

Folktales from India is an enchanting collection of one hundred and ten tales translated from twenty-two different languages, by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic. Gods disguised as beggars and beasts; animals enacting Machiavellian intrigues: sagacious jesters and magical storytellers; wise counselors and foolish kings -- all of these inhabit a fabular world, yet one firmly grounded in everyday life. Augmented by A. K. Ramanujan's definitive introduction and notes, this is an indispensable guide to India's ageless folklore tradition.

Back Jacket

Folktales from India is an enchanting collection of one hundred and ten tales translated form twenty-two different languages, by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic.

Author Biography

A. K. RAMANUJAN (1929-1993) was William E. Colvin Professor of South Asian Languages and Civilizations and a member of the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. He is the author of several volumes of poetry, including The Striders, Relations, and Selected Poems. His translations from the languages of India include Folktales from India, Speaking of Siva, Some Kannada Poems, Samskara, Hymns for the Drowning, and Poems of Love and War.