This anthology of 50 folktales drawn from the Folklore Archive of the Finnish Literature Society is an excellent introduction to the rich oral tradition of Finnish folktales for both the general reader and for students of folklore. Storytelling as a living tradition was preserved longer in Finland than in many other countries because of its relative geo­graphical isolation compared to other countries that more readily came into contact with another civilization which destroyed local oral traditions. As in other countries skilled storytellers were often representatives of the itinerant trades such as cobblers, tailors, lumberjacks, peddlers and beggars. The anthology provides both traditional folktales and a number of popular Finnish jokes and anecdotes. Although essentially innocent in its narrative and suitable for all readers, An Anthology of Finnish Folktales does contain gothic elements and explicit language at times. It might, therefore, be advisable for general readers to exercise parental guidance where younger children are concerned. | An Anthology of Finnish Folktales by Helena Henderson, Paperback | Indigo Chapters