The Shoemaker's Apron: Czechoslovak Folk and Fairy Tales

“Children who have exhausted the novelty of other collections will find in these a new source of delight.” -New York Evening Post This rich collection of twenty Czech fairy tales will whisk the reader to a world of magical animals, witches, kings, queens, and enchantment. For anyone interested in the classic regional fairy tales of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this treasury of stories offers a glimpse into the folk literature and culture of the regions. The Shoemaker’s Apron is the golden key to open the door into the meanings of traditional stories that differ in details, but are broadly similar in motifs from Ireland to India. Though on the surface they appear to deal mostly with the extraordinary rise in fortune of a humble hero or heroine through winning out over daunting forces (wicked relatives, monsters, dragons, witches, or powerful enemies), their functions, meanings, and origins have tantalized scholars in many disciplines. Filled with humor and charm, these stories are sure to delight children and adults alike. Preface The Twelve Months: The Story of Marushka and the Wicked Holena Zlatovlaska the Golden-haired: The Story of Yirik and the Snake The Shepherd's Nosegay: The Story of the Princess Who Learned to say "Please" Vitazko the Victorious: The Story of a Hero Whose Mother Loved a Dragon Five Nursery Tales: I.Kuratko the Terrible: The Story of an Ungrateful Chick II.Smolicheck: The Story of a Little Boy Who Opened the Door III.Budulinek: The Story of Another Little Boy Who Opened the Door IV.The Dear Little Hen: The Story of a Rooster that Cheated V.The Disobedient Rooster: The Story of Another Little Hen The Nickerman's Wife: The Story of Lidushka and the Imprisoned Doves Batcha and the Dragon: The Story of a Shepherd Who Slept all Winter Clever Manka: The Story of a Girl Who Knew What to Say The Blacksmith's Stool: The Story of a Man Who Found that Death was Necessary A Gullible World: The Story of a Man Who Didn't Beat His Wife The Candles of Life: The Story of a Child for Whom Death Stood Godmother The Devil's Gifts: The Story of a Man Whom the Devil Befriended Gentle Dora: The Story of a Devil Who Married a Scold The Devil's Match: The Story of a Farmer Who Remembered What His Grandmother Told Him The Devil's Little Brother-in-law: The Story of a Youth Who Couldn't Find Work The Shoemaker's Apron: The Story of the Man Who Sits Near the Golden Gate