Fifty Famous Stories Retold
'Fifty Famous Stories Retold' Summary
Fifty Famous Stories Retold contains a preface by the author, in which he describes the motives behind such an anthology. “...that the reading of them will give not only pleasure but also lay the foundation for broader literary studies...” he opines. Some of the stories were selected for their historical value, others for the moral truths they convey, while some are intended solely to amuse. They are taken from a variety of sources. Folktales, legends and ballads also are a rich source. Baldwin remarks that he took care not to include myths, fairytales and fables.
Hence we find old favorites like Dick Whittington's Cat, The Story of Robin Hood and George Washington and His Hatchet alongside less familiar ones like Inchcape Rock, Doctor Goldsmith or Diogenes the Wise. The original contains charming illustrations.
In Baldwin's own words, the encounter with good literature and good books was what spurred him to develop the reading habit. For a new generation which is fast losing the pleasure that books can bring, perhaps Fifty Famous Stories Retold could serve as a springboard and encourage them to rediscover the joy of reading.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1896Author
James Baldwin
United States
James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) was an American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist. His essays, collected in Notes of a Native Son (1955), explore intric...
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