The Folk-tales of Burma

This comprehensive guide offers the first thorough exploration of Burmese folk-tales for English-speaking audiences, bridging a significant gap in cultural studies. The book is structured into two distinct parts: a detailed academic survey of folk-tale scholarship and a functional classification system for the tales, followed by a collection of the stories themselves, many translated into a European language for the first time. Each tale is accompanied by insightful commentary analyzing plot structures and cross-cultural motifs, tracing their evolution from historical origins to contemporary relevance. The inclusion of an index and substantial bibliography makes it a serious research tool as much as a cultural treasury.

What distinguishes this work is its dual nature as both an accessible story collection and a rigorous academic resource, allowing readers to either enjoy the rich narratives or delve into their anthropological significance. Students of folklore, anthropology, and Southeast Asian studies will find it particularly invaluable, while general readers with an interest in world myths and cultural heritage will discover a vibrant narrative tradition largely unknown in the West. The book's meticulous presentation of these tales not only preserves them but also contextualizes their place in the global tapestry of storytelling, making it a foundational text that will likely inspire further research and appreciation for years to come.