Subject
Folklore -- Italy Books
Best books
Giambattista Basile
Stories from the Pentamerone
"Stories from the Pentamerone" by Giambattista Basile is a fairy tale collection published posthumously in 1634 and 1636. This groundbreaking work presents fifty Neapolitan tales told over five days through an elaborate frame story about a cursed princess who cannot laugh. Written in richly Baroque style, these stories preserve oral storytelling traditions and became the foundation for beloved tales later adapted by Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, including early versions of Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty.
Isabella Mary Anderton
Tuscan folk-lore and sketches, together with some other papers
"Tuscan Folk-lore and Sketches" by Isabella M. Anderton is a collection of folk tales and sketches written in the early 20th century. The work explores the rich tapestry of Tuscan culture through stories told by local peasants and observations of their customs, hospitality, and environment. The tales blend elements of folklore, enchanting characters, and timeless moral lessons, capturing the essence of rural life in Tuscany. The opening of the book sets the stage for these evocative narratives, detailing the author's personal experience in a small Tuscan village during a summer stay. While recovering from illness, Anderton befriends an old peasant woman named Clementina, whose kindly nature and storytelling spark the collection. Through Clementina's tales, readers are introduced to memorable characters such as Elisa, a princess in a classic variation of Cinderella, and other enchanting figures from Tuscan folklore. The narrative invites readers to immerse themselves in the picturesque landscapes and vibrant community life, offering an intimate glimpse into the enduring cultural heritage of Tuscany.
Charles Godfrey Leland
The Unpublished Legends of Virgil
"The Unpublished Legends of Virgil" by Charles Godfrey Leland is a collection of folkloric tales written in the late 19th century. This work brings together various legends that have accumulated around the famous Roman poet Virgil, reimagining him as both a poet and a magician. The collection is expected to delve into a unique blend of mythology, sorcery, and folkloric traditions, showcasing Virgil's character as a benevolent and humorous figure who assists others with his magical prowess. The opening of the text begins with a preface that sets the stage for Leland's exploration of Virgilian legends. He explains that these tales were primarily gathered from local sources such as witches and fortune-tellers, emphasizing their rich connections to Etrusco-Roman folklore. Leland notes the intriguing aspects of Virgil's portrayal; he emerges not just as a significant literary figure but also as an emblem of everyday magic and wisdom. The initial tales include the mythological origins of Virgil's birth, stories of transformations, heroic quests, and interactions with divine and mystical entities, foreshadowing a world where magic intertwines seamlessly with the lives of mortals.
Recently surfaced classics