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Favorite African Folktales » (Reprint)

Book cover image of Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela

Authors: Nelson Mandela
ISBN-13: 9780393326246, ISBN-10: 0393326241
Format: Paperback
Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
Date Published: November 2004
Edition: Reprint

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Author Biography: Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela lives in Johannesburg and was South Africa's first democratically elected president.

Book Synopsis

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is an extraordinary audiobook featuring Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson,Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard with a special message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Original Music by South African legends by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela, Directed by Alfre Woodard. The audiobook was a truly international affair recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, and Johannesburg.

The stories were chosen by the Nobel Laureate himself, from every region of Africa.

"We hope this audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages across the globe, increasing awareness of Africa's rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa's most vulnerable children," said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his original foreword for the folktales, Nelson Mandela wrote, "It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books." The audiobook brings his vision full circle, as these timeless tales return to the oral tradition to be heard around the world.

Bill Cosby

A wonderful book that introduces children and adults alike to the magical world of African fairy tales and creation myths....a treasure for everyone in the family.

Table of Contents

Foreword7
1The Enchanting Song of the Magical Bird9
2The Cat Who Came Indoors12
3The Great Thirst15
4King Lion's Gifts18
5The Message23
6The Snake Chief26
7How Hlakanyana Outwitted the Monster29
8Words As Sweet As Honey from Sankhambi33
9Mmutla and Phiri36
10The Lion, the Hare, and the Hyena40
11Mmadipetsane43
12Kamiyo of the River48
13Spider and the Crows51
14Natiki56
15The Hare and the Tree Spirit59
16The Mantis and the Moon62
17The Snake with Seven Heads66
18The Hare's Revenge71
19The Wolf Queen74
20Van Hunks and the Devil79
21Wolf and Jackal and the Barrel of Butter83
22The Cloud Princess87
23The Guardian of the Pool93
24The Sultan's Daughter96
25The Ring of the King102
26The Clever Snake Charmer106
27Asmodeus and the Bottler of Djinns109
28Sakunaka, the Handsome Young Man115
29The Mother Who Turned to Dust118
30Mpipidi and the Motlopi Tree124
31Fesito Goes to Market128
32Sannie Langtand and the Visitor134
Glossary141
About the Authors141
About the Artists142
Credits143

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