Great American Folklore: Legends, Tales, Ballads & Superstitions

by Kemp P. Battle

This compilation of more than 280 memorable tales from the American oral tradition features both popular and less-familiar folktales, legends, verses, ballads, superstitions, riddles, children's rhymes, ghost stories, and witty anecdotes

Genres: Folklore, Fiction, Mythology, Anthologies, Reference, Fairy Tales, Own

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a treasury of American myths and legends. The reader will find many familiar tales of heroes and villains in this collection that ranges from the pioneering days to the 19th century. One can appreciate the strength and motivation that sustained and pushed these pioneers to conquer this land.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of different stories, organized well and summarized in each section. My only knock is that the book tries so hard to stay true to the oral tradition that some of the stories end up being poorly written.

[Donald Stevens]

What a great find at the libaray. There are some really funny tales in here.
I just finshed Oolah Oolah. It is such a great little tale when it is put in context of todays world.
I even found a tale about Febold Feboldson. He is a Nebraska farmer of great stories.

[Christaaay]

Entertaining collection with great introductions to each section. I didn't read all of it, but I enjoyed much of what I did read. Some of my favorites: "The Mermaid"; "High Horse's Courting: A Sioux Love Story"; "The Shallows of the Ford" by Henry Herbert Knibbs"; "Judge Parker, the Hanging Judge"; "Outlaw Women"; "No Complaints"; and "The Cowboy's Last Request."

The chapters I read offered a good feel for the humorous, nostalgic mix of America's folklore. I certainly plan to return to this collection in the future.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great American folklore : legends, tales, ballads, and superstitions from all across America. I love the cover. It reminds me of a patriotic quilt. That’s about all that I love about it. There are too many stories that I never heard of before now. They weren’t patriotic as I was led to believe.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time with this book, reading a few pages at a time when I was between heavier novels. In the last year or so I have read collections of both Celtic and Scottish folk tales so it was fun going through America’s equivalents, familiar and not.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun romp through American history full of whoppers.

[Edward]

My copy is by someone named "Kemp P. Battle". Whatever. Sex change?