West African Folk-Tales by W. H. Barker and Cecilia Sinclair

Description

West African Folk-Tales, first published in 1917, is a captivating collection of traditional stories drawn from the folklore of the Gold Coast peoples. This anthology weaves a vivid tapestry of tales, featuring iconic characters such as Anansi the spider, a figure embodying both wisdom and trickery. Through these stories, readers gain insight into the cultural traditions and beliefs of West African communities. The book opens with an introduction that examines the impact of European civilization on the Gold Coast, highlighting the changes in local customs and storytelling practices. The first section focuses on Anansi, recounting his clever exploits, including his efforts to ensure all stories became known as 'Anansi tales' and his role in distributing wisdom to humanity through cunning. These early narratives emphasize themes of intelligence and deceit, offering a rich glimpse into the essence of West African cultural storytelling.

This book is available for free download in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats. Or you can read it online. No registration is required. Just click the links below the donation buttons.