Book description
The Caucasus has an extremely rich folk literature, almost unknown
among English speakers, which includes myths, legends, magical tales,
anecdotes and proverbs. The one hundred and one legends included in
this book reflect the cultures of fourteen different ethnic groups Â-
their dynamism and the matters that concerned them: survival against
external dangers, the risk of starvation and the persistence of the
family or clan as a coordinated group. Descended from an oral
tradition, much of their knowledge was retained in memories and passed
down the generations. Yet, with the introduction of the alphabet, the
way of life they portray is rapidly becoming extinct. An incomparable
collection, Legends of the Caucasus conveys the poetry and romance of
these swiftly vanishing tribes. Â This book has brought into light
some of the hidden treasures of the Caucasus  A major contribution
not only to the study of the Caucasus, but also to world folklore.'
John Colarusso, McMaster University, Canada  Inventive and meticulous
in rendering the extraordinary folk poetry of the many nations of the
Caucasus  [This is] essential reading for anyone seeking an insight
into the cultures of the Caucasus.' Donald Rayfield, Queen Mary
University of London, UK
'This book has brought into light some of the hidden treasures of the
Caucasus - A major contribution not only to the study of the Caucasus,
but also to world folklore.' John Colarusso, McMaster University, Canada
'Inventive and meticulous in rendering the extraordinary folk poetry of
the many nations of the Caucasus - [This is] essential reading for
anyone seeking an insight into the cultures of the Caucasus.' Donald
Rayfield, Queen Mary University of London, UK David Hunt is an expert
of the folk literature of the Caucasus and has published numerous papers
on the subject. A member of the Folklore Society for forty years, he won
the McDowell Prize in 2008.
