Folk tales around the world, observes the author, often contain similar narratives, providing, perhaps, yet another example of the universal brotherhood of man. This volume of West African folk tales includes a number of such tales, among them, "The Cricket and the Toad," "The Greedy Hare," "The Tortoise and His Broken Shell," "The Story of a Farmer and Four Hyenas," "The Man with Seven Dogs," and "The Boy in the Drum." Animals, both natural and magical, play large roles in these stories. Collected by the author over the years from West Africans of all ages, these charming tales will not only delight folklore enthusiasts but will also appeal to anyone fascinated by African cultures. Parents and teachers in search of cross-cultural material for children will also find this volume a wonderful resource.
Reprint of the University of London Press, 1958 and 1963 editions.