The Greatest "Nonfiction, Folklore" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 288 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Folklore

Folklore is a category of books that encompasses traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture or community. These stories are often passed down through generations and are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the people. Folklore books may include myths, legends, fables, fairy tales, and other forms of storytelling that reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular group of people. They offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of a community and provide insight into their way of life, beliefs, and customs.

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  1. 1. La Charte Du Mandé Et Autres Traditions Du Mali by Aboubakar Fofana, Jean-Louis Sagot

    "La Charte Du Mandé Et Autres Traditions Du Mali" is a comprehensive exploration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Mali, focusing on the ancient Mandé Charter, also known as the Manden Charter. This seminal text delves into the origins and implications of this 13th-century document, which is one of the earliest forms of human rights charters. The book not only examines the charter's principles of social justice, equality, and political ethics but also contextualizes it within a broader spectrum of Malian traditions, shedding light on the country's profound historical narratives and the enduring cultural practices that continue to shape its identity.

  2. 2. Once Upon An Eskimo Time by Edna Wilder

    This book is a heartfelt collection of stories and memories that offer a window into the traditional lifestyle of the Inupiat Eskimos of Alaska. The narrative, rich with cultural heritage, is a personal account from the author's own experiences growing up in a remote village. It captures the essence of a community bound by survival, tradition, and the rhythms of the Arctic environment. Through tales of hunting, fishing, and sharing, the book paints a vivid picture of the values and practices that have sustained the Inupiat people for generations, while also touching on the challenges and changes brought by contact with the outside world.

  3. 3. Native American Folktales by Thomas A. Green

    This book is a collection of traditional stories, myths, and legends from various Native American tribes. It explores the rich cultural heritage, beliefs, and customs of indigenous peoples through their oral storytelling tradition. The tales cover a wide range of themes including creation stories, tales of tricksters, moral lessons, and accounts of historical events. The book provides a unique insight into the spiritual and cultural life of Native Americans.

  4. 4. Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers by Robert Bringhurst

    "Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers" is a collection of stories from the Haida people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The book provides a deep and insightful exploration of Haida mythology and culture through its rich oral literature. The author has painstakingly translated these tales from the original Haida language into English, maintaining their poetic and narrative essence. The collection serves as a significant contribution to the preservation and understanding of Haida cultural heritage and indigenous storytelling traditions.

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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