On the Verge of Lunacy

This is a collection of 17 epics each of which is condensed into its simplest form making them accessible to readers who do not have enough time or resources (or have difficulty reading some of the translations)reading or finding the epics. Each epic is introduced by providing the background of the author and the story and why it is included in this volume. The following is the list of the epics included: THE RAMÂYÂNA THE MAHÂ-BHÂRATA of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa THE ILIAD of Homer THE ODYSSEY of Homer THE KALEVALA, collected by Zacharias Topelius and Elias Lonnrot THE AENEID by Vergil BEOWULF THE NIBELUNGEN LIED THE SONG OF ROLAND THE SHAH-NAMEH of Firdusi THE POEM OF THE CID THE DIVINE COMEDY of Dante Alighieri THE ORLANDO FURIOSO of Ludovico Ariosto THE LUSIAD of Luis de Camoens THE JERUSALEM DELIVERED of Torquato Tasso PARADISE LOST of John Milton PARADISE REGAINED of John Milton The epics are contracted and the author left only the narration...

Hero Tales and Legends of the Rhine is a collection of myths and legends about the Rhine and the communities it fosters. Some of these are myths fused with real stories. Lewis Spence  first provides an introduction of the topography of the Rhine. To better understand the pervading beliefs and temperament of the people living near the famous river, the author provides a background and brief history of Germany. There is also a section about the folklore and literature of Rhine in general. The author cited examples of the type of stories that are usually produced or become popular. Readers do not have to immerse themselves in the stories right away but are given a proper introduction. Although Spence did not write an exhaustive comparative study of the folktales, he was able to provide some background of and explanation for most of the stories. The section on Nibelungenlied in particular was very informative and clear-cut. Spence's writing is easy to understand an...

This is a compilation of fifty-eight stories by Dr. Wilhelm Ruland. The stories are grouped according to the location where each story supposedly took place. Each story has an introduction which makes the transition much easier for the reader. It includes a condensed version of Nibelungen Lied. The story has been chopped into two however, the earlier part of which can be found in a later chapter. The story of Lohengrin is also included. I recommend this book to those who are interested in legends and myths in general, as well as to people who are not knowledgeable about the subject. As mentioned earlier, the author provides a background of the story. Those who are not familiar with the places mentioned won't find it difficult to visualize the setting. Dr. Ruland's descriptive skill is sufficient for that task. There are also illustrations in selected legends. I'm giving this book a 9 out of 10 rating .

Charles John Tibbits wrote a brief introduction of the origin of myths and legends. He traces it back to animism. He wrote that investing life in all things, living or inanimate, probably arose from the language used to describe or name things. Some words are expressive of gender and because the items have genders, there is a possibility that qualities were given to the object as time passed. This a collection of 30 of those stories which originated from that concept. They are listed below: Gaffer Death The Legend of Paracelsus Hans in Luck The Grey Mare in the Garret The Water Spirit Peter Klaus The Legend of Rheineck The Cellar of the Old Knights in the Kyffhauser The Fisherman and his Wife The Mouse Tower The Dancers The Little Shroud The Arch Rogue Brother Merry Fastrada The Jew in the Bush The Elves The Conclave of Corpses Legends of Rubezahl, or Number-Nip The Hunter Hackelnberg and the Tut-Osel The Alraun The Goose-Girl Hans Jagenteufel The Waits...