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American Folk Tales and Songs (Dover Books on Music) Paperback – June 1, 1971

by Richard Chase (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 11 ratings
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Ever heard the story about the hoe-handle that was bitten by a snake? Or the one about the man in the kraut tub? These and many more tales of wry complexion are included in this collection of uninhibited tales and ballads of the Anglo-American tradition. Collected in the Appalachians, the folklore in this book reflects the hardships, humor, and creative instinct of the robust men and women who have lived in the hills of Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky for centuries.
Mr. Chase has collected a wide variety of folklore for inclusion in this volume. Here you will find tales of dry humor whose telling will enliven any friendly gathering, or the "jump" tales that literally require the teller to jump at his listener, mostly ghost stories that have enthralled generations of children and grandchildren. Here, complete with guitar chords, are American versions of old English ballads like "The Devil's Questions" and "Bold Robin Hood," and original mountain ballads like "Old Bangum and the Boar." Here too are many hymns and children's songs current in the mountains of the South. A sample of fiddle music and country games can provide inspiration for all manner of parties or family amusements.
In addition to the ballads, songs, and stories, Mr. Chase also gives such amusing folk miscellany as riddles, love-rhymes, and jokes. For anyone who seeks a wider familiarity with folk materials, Mr. Chase provides an ample list of suggested further reading and an amateur collector's guide. Notes accompanying each item identify the informant or origin and give details concerning the author's editing "For popular use."
American Folk Tales and Songs is meant to be used. The author, one of America's foremost folklorists, has presented his stories and songs so that they can increase the repertory of both storytellers and fireside singers, for folk traditions can live only through the voices and imaginations of those who love good stories and good songs.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    9 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    4 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
  6. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  7. Publication date
    June 1, 1971
  8. ISBN-10
    0486226921
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0486226927
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Revised ed. edition (June 1, 1971)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486226921
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486226927
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

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  1. Richard Chase

    Richard Chase

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
11 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

T. Okuno
5.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic blend of individual treats
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2011
Verified Purchase
Upon dimly recalling, then retelling, and delighting my children with a Pat & Mike anecdote that I read in this book in my childhood (70s), I was delighted that it's still in print.
This book was my introduction to tall tales, so I'm thrilled to have a copy, and pleased to share them with my kids, but I hadn't remembered the dark tone of some of the stories. Also (as promised by the book's title), there's a fair portion devoted to folk songs that don't long hold my children's interest. Nevertheless, the stories are gems, and sufficient value by themselves, but I'm also hopeful that my children might gain an appreciation for a side of America that's out of their suburban-centric view.
3 people found this helpful
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Arkansas Red
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
A good read.
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C.Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars Expectation Met
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
Ok fine
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spacedog
4.0 out of 5 stars insight into oral traditions
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2004
this book concentrates on anglo-american folklore, and so there is no reference to such characters as paul bunyan or johnny appleseed. still, there are a lot of surprisingly familiar stories that survived and were passed down when europeans settled in america. about half of the book is devoted to tales, including "ancient" tales (with references as far back as norse mythology, as well as robin hood and chaucer), jack tales, "fool irishman" tales, and "tall" tales. the second half is devoted to songs, simultaneously notated in shape as well as traditional notation. this section include ballads (i.e. songs that usually have a narrative), songs, hymns, songs for children, dances (with the choreography explained), and fiddle tunes. the book also includes odds and ends like jokes and riddles as well as a fantastic section of texts from graves from the turn of the century (around the late 1800's). also includes a guide to further reading and nice illustrations by joshua tolford. the stories themselves may feel a little quaint to some, but the colorful local dialect make them engaging and they provide insight into the lives and times of the people who have passed them down.
13 people found this helpful
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George Schaefer
4.0 out of 5 stars Americana
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2000
This is a part of our heritage as Americans. We all have some folklore that helps shape our lives and upbringings. It is the underlying history that does not get placed in the history books. We unfortunately do not teach this stuff in schools. America, being an extraordinary melting pot has a great diversity of tales to be told. This collection includes ballads, tall tales, fiddle tunes, childrens song and hymns. It is a quality overview of American folklore. It will set a yearning in your soul and make you wax nostalgic for lemon-ade and Tom Sawyer. This is a small chunk of what it means to be American.
28 people found this helpful
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