Traditional Storytelling Today explores the diversity of contemporary storytelling traditions and provides a forum for in-depth discussion of interesting facets of comtemporary storytelling. Never before has such a wealth of information about storytelling traditions been gathered together. Storytelling is alive and well throughout the world as the approximately 100 articles by more than 90 authors make clear. Most of the essays average 2,000 words and discuss a typical storytelling event, give a brief sample text, and provide theory from the folklorist. A comprehensive index is provided. Bibliographies afford the reader easy access to additional resources.

First Published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Traditional Storytelling Today explores the diversity of contemporary storytelling traditions and provides a forum for in-depth discussion of interesting facets of comtemporary storytelling. Never before has such a wealth of information about storytelling traditions been gathered together. Storytelling is alive and well throughout the world as the approximately 100 articles by more than 90 authors make clear. Most of the essays average 2,000 words and discuss a typical storytelling event, give a brief sample text, and provide theory from the folklorist. A comprehensive index is provided. Bibliographies afford the reader easy access to additional resources.

This text examines the traditional oral narrative of the Yangzi delta.

1. Social Change and the Storytelling Tradition. Modernization and Economic Change. Factors Effecting the Decline of Traditional Storytelling. Technological Innovations. Dance Halls and Public Houses. The Introduction of the Automobile. The Modernization of Homes. Education, Literacy, and the Decline of the Language. The "Death" of the Tradition 2. Folklore Collectors and the Irish Storytelling Tradition. The Pivotal Role of the Collectors. Collecting in the Past. Folklore Collecting Today. Self-Consciousness and the Storytelling Tradition. County Clare: A Symbiosis of Music and Storytelling.The Influence of Eamon Kelly. Limitations in the Documentation of the Tradition 3. The Current Status of the Two Language Traditions. Developments in the Study of Traditional Narrative. Aesthetic Considerations in Traditional Storytelling. The Preeminence of the Irish Language Tradition. The English Language Tradition: Narrating and Narrators of Scealaiocht. The English Language Tradition: Narrating and Narrators of Seanchas. Final Considerations and Portents of Change App. I: QuestionnaireApp. II: Ar Cuairt and Related TermsApp. III: Glossary of Gaelic TermsApp. IV: Selected Tales The Quarryman's SonThe Mac a hAon FionnAbove and Beyond the End of the EarthThe Gentlemen's Agreement.

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."Storytelling: 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.

The tale of 'Cinderella' is told wherever stories are still read aloud and everyone is familiar with 'Rapunzel' and 'The Golden Goose', but who has heard all the wonderful stories collected by the Brothers Grimm? Well, here's your chance, for within these covers you will find every one of their 210 tales, in all their enchantment and rapture, terror and wisdom, tragedy and beauty.