Seasons of Splendour
Tales, Myths and Legends of India
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- $95.00
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- $95.00
Descripción editorial
India is particularly rich in colourful follore. These stories, told by parents to their children for many generations, make a rich and dazzling collection of mythological tales drawn from a great heritage of Hindu epics - from the life of the great god Krishna to how the monkey god Hanuman helped defeat the Demon King Ravan and a host of other magical and spectacular creatures. The stories are arranged according to the sequence of the Hindu year and each is prefaced with a short personal anecdote from the author's childhood. Beautifully illustrated throughout in black line and tone by Michael Foreman.
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The author of a bestselling cookbook, Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cookery, Jaffrey is also well-known as an actress in England and America. Her feeling for drama imbues this collection with the color and vigor of Foreman's paintings and drawings. Selections from East-Indian lore are arranged according to the Hindu calender and prefaced by the anthologist's reminiscences of times when mothers told the stories to their children. The reader responds to the magic when young girls gather on rooftops to eat halva in the moon-drenched night, in honor of the legend, "The Moon and the Heavenly Nectar.'' The evil star Rahu tricks Vishnu, Creator of the Universe, by swallowing a drop of potion that makes the demon immortal. Because the moon tries to warn Vishnu, Rahu vows to wipe out its light, every year. That's why there is an annual eclipse of the moon. ``If you listen, that is the day you can hear Rahu laughing.'' Each tale is unusual and enthralling in itself, as well as a rewarding excursion into the culture of an ancient country. (All ages)
