The Greatest Russian, Italian, American "Folklore" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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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. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

    A young girl from Kansas is swept away by a tornado to a fantastical land called Oz. To return home, she must find the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City, and on her journey, she befriends a Scarecrow in need of a brain, a Tin Woodman longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion seeking courage. They all hope the Wizard can grant their wishes, but they must first overcome the Wicked Witch of the West who poses a great danger to them.

    The 329th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

    The book is a captivating tale about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of merry men in Sherwood Forest. It chronicles their various adventures as they rob from the rich to give to the poor, outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, and have encounters with characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian. The story is filled with humor, action, and a strong sense of justice, painting a vivid picture of medieval England.

    The 1219th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

    This book explores the theory that important myths from around the world which have survived for thousands of years all share a fundamental structure, which the author calls the "monomyth." It outlines the stages of this monomyth, which include a hero's call to adventure, a descent into the underworld, and a triumphant return. The book also discusses how these universal patterns can provide a framework for understanding human experience and the world around us.

    The 1453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Enchanted Wanderer by Nikolai Leskov

    "The Enchanted Wanderer" is a collection of short stories that follow the life of a Russian serf, Ivan Flyagin, who is destined to wander forever and never die. Throughout his travels, he experiences a myriad of adventures including becoming a monk, being captured by Tartars, and falling in love. The stories are filled with folkloric elements and offer a vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian society.

    The 1517th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Adventures Of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

    "The Adventures of Pinocchio" is a classic children's novel that follows the mischievous adventures of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio. As he strives to become a real boy, Pinocchio encounters a series of trials and temptations, learning valuable life lessons along the way. From encounters with talking animals to being swallowed by a giant fish, Pinocchio's journey is filled with humor, excitement, and moral dilemmas. With themes of honesty, bravery, and the consequences of one's actions, this timeless tale captivates readers of all ages.

    The 1533rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Stories of Washington Irving by Washington Irving

    The book is a collection of short stories penned by one of America's earliest celebrated authors. It includes a variety of tales ranging from the supernatural to historical fiction, all characterized by the author's distinctive narrative style. Some of the most notable stories include a schoolmaster's encounter with a headless horseman, a man who sleeps for twenty years, and a tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil. The stories are set in various locations, from the Hudson Valley to Europe, and they often reflect the author's satirical and humorous view of society.

    The 1687th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka by Nikolai Gogol

    "Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka" is a collection of short stories that take place in a small Ukrainian village. The stories are filled with folklore, supernatural elements, and humorous anecdotes, depicting the lives and adventures of the villagers. Through vivid descriptions and lively characters, the book offers a glimpse into rural life in 19th-century Ukraine, blending reality with fantasy in a captivating and entertaining manner.

    The 1760th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino

    This book is a comprehensive collection of 200 traditional Italian folktales, meticulously gathered from different regions of Italy. The stories range from humor to horror, from fairy tales to moral lessons, from whimsical to deeply symbolic, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Italy. These tales, translated and retold, provide a fascinating insight into the folklore, traditions, and beliefs of Italian people.

    The 1955th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Marriage Of Cadmus And Harmony by Roberto Calasso

    "The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony" is a unique exploration of Greek mythology. The narrative follows the journey of Cadmus, a Phoenician prince, and his marriage to Harmony, a goddess. The book delves deep into the complex and rich tapestry of Greek myths, presenting them as a continuous and ever-evolving story. It offers fascinating insights into the gods, heroes, and monsters of ancient Greece, while also drawing connections to modern life and thought.

    The 1970th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. My Book House by Olive Beaupré Miller

    "My Book House" is a comprehensive collection of literature for children, designed to progress with the reader, starting from nursery rhymes in the first volume to classic literature and poetry in the final volumes. The series, compiled over a span of 50 years, aims to cultivate imagination, foster a love for reading, and encourage moral character in children. It includes stories, poems, and folktales from various cultures around the world, carefully selected and edited to be age-appropriate and engaging.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Tale Of Cross Eyed Lefty From Tula And The Steel Flea by Nikolai Leskov

    The narrative is a whimsical Russian folk tale that recounts the story of a tiny, mechanical steel flea crafted by English craftsmen as a gift to the Tsar. The flea is an engineering marvel, able to dance to the Tsar's delight. However, Russian craftsmen are challenged to demonstrate their own skill by making something even more impressive. Lefty, a talented but cross-eyed craftsman from Tula, takes on the task and, with his exceptional craftsmanship, manages to outdo the English by fitting the flea with minuscule horseshoes, showcasing the ingenuity and pride of Russian artisans. The story blends humor, national pride, and a celebration of the underdog's triumph through skill and creativity.

    The 3725th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Tale Of Igor's Campaign by Unknown

    "The Tale of Igor's Campaign" is an epic 12th-century literary work from the Old East Slavic tradition, which recounts the failed military expedition of a Rus' prince against the Polovtsians, a nomadic steppe tribe. The narrative is imbued with a sense of tragic heroism and explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the futility of war. It blends historical fact with legendary elements, showcasing the cultural and political landscape of medieval Kievan Rus'. The text is also notable for its lyrical and stylistic qualities, which have had a lasting influence on Slavic literature and national identity.

    The 3751st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Circe by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the life of Circe, a minor goddess and witch from Homer's Odyssey. Born into the house of Helios, god of the sun, Circe is scorned by her family and turns to mortals for companionship, leading her to discover her powers of witchcraft. After transforming her mortal lover into a sea monster, she is banished to a deserted island by Zeus. Over the centuries, she hones her magical abilities, encounters famous mythological beings, and struggles with her immortality, loneliness, and desire for love and freedom.

    The 4021st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Maid Of The North by Ethel Johnston Phelps

    "The Maid of the North" is a collection of feminist folktales from around the world, reimagined to emphasize the strength, intelligence, and agency of female protagonists. These stories showcase a diverse array of heroines who confront challenges, embark on adventures, and often outwit their adversaries through wit and courage. The tales are drawn from various cultural traditions and aim to provide young readers with empowering narratives that contrast with the more traditional, often passive roles of women in folklore. This anthology celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of women, offering inspirational role models and a fresh perspective on classic folklore.

    The 4113th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Retold African American Folktales by David Haynes

    This book is a collection of African American folktales that have been retold and adapted for a modern audience. The stories are diverse and filled with magic, wisdom, and humor, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of African American communities. They present a variety of characters and situations, from tricksters outwitting their foes to heroes overcoming great odds, teaching lessons about resilience, courage, and the importance of community.

    The 4731st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Tell My Horse by Zora Neale Hurston

    The book is an anthropological exploration of the rich cultural tapestry of Jamaica and Haiti in the late 1920s and early 1930s, delving into the rituals, customs, and social structures of the islands with a particular focus on Voodoo and Obeah practices. The author, an African American folklorist and writer, immerses herself in the communities she studies, providing vivid descriptions and analyses of ceremonies, dances, and religious practices, while also examining the political and social issues of the time. Her work offers a unique blend of personal narrative and scholarly observation, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of Caribbean culture and spirituality.

    The 4916th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Grandmothers Of The Light by Paula Gunn Allen

    This book is a collection of Native American stories focusing on the feminine aspect of the divine, exploring the central role of women in various indigenous myths and traditions. It delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of female figures in creation myths, fertility rites, and tribal ceremonies, highlighting the wisdom and power of grandmothers as keepers of knowledge and spiritual guides. Through retelling these stories, the work emphasizes the importance of the feminine perspective in understanding the world and the interconnectedness of all life, offering readers insight into the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Native American spirituality.

    The 5174th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Morphology Of The Folktale by Vladimir Aioakovlevich Propp

    "Morphology of the Folktale" is a seminal work in the field of folklore studies that analyzes the structure of Russian folktales to identify their simplest irreducible narrative elements and their arrangement. The author introduces the concept of "functions" which are common plot devices used in folktales, and categorizes these functions into a consistent and repeatable framework. This structural approach to the study of tales reveals that despite the varied and complex surface of stories, their underlying structures follow a limited number of patterns. This methodology not only provides a tool for analyzing tales but also influences subsequent structuralist and narratological approaches in the broader field of cultural studies.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Singer Of Tales by Albert Bates Lord

    "The Singer of Tales" explores the fascinating art of oral tradition, particularly focusing on the practice of storytelling among Serbo-Croatian singers. The book delves into how these oral poets compose and recount epic poems without the aid of written texts, relying instead on a formulaic system that allows for creativity within a framework of repetition and common phrases. Building on the work of Milman Parry, the study examines the mechanisms by which oral traditions are maintained and transmitted across generations, shedding light on the cognitive and cultural processes that underpin this ancient form of narrative art.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. A Treasury Of American Folklore by Benjamin A. Botkin

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of stories, songs, legends, and traditions from the cultural heritage of the United States. Compiled to capture the diverse tapestry of American society, it includes tales from various regions and communities, offering insights into the beliefs, customs, and humor that have shaped the nation's identity. From the lore of Native Americans to the ballads of the Appalachian Mountains, from African American spirituals to the tall tales of the frontier, this treasury serves as a celebration of the folk narrative and the oral tradition that has been passed down through generations, preserving the richness of America's cultural history.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin

    This novel is a combination of fiction, folklore, poetry, and anthropology set in a post-apocalyptic future in Northern California. It revolves around a tribal society known as the Kesh, who have developed a sustainable lifestyle and a rich cultural heritage after the fall of our current civilization. The narrative is interspersed with the Kesh's myths, poems, and rituals, and is primarily seen through the eyes of a woman named Stone Telling, who recounts her journey from her tribal home to a patriarchal dystopian city and back.

    The 6477th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark by Alvin Schwartz

    This book is a collection of spooky tales designed to thrill and chill young readers. Drawing from folklore and urban legends, the stories range from eerie to downright terrifying, often accompanied by haunting illustrations that amplify the text's macabre atmosphere. Each story is crafted to be read aloud, making it a popular choice for campfires and sleepovers. The tales are short and accessible, yet they pack a punch with their creepy premises and twist endings, ensuring that the shivers they provoke linger long after the pages are closed.

    The 6509th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

    This wordless picture book tells the classic Aesop's fable of a tiny mouse and a mighty lion. When the mouse accidentally disturbs the lion, the lion spares the mouse's life. Later, when the lion is caught in a hunter's trap, the grateful mouse gnaws through the ropes to free him. The story is a beautiful depiction of kindness and reciprocity, showing how even the smallest creature can help someone much bigger and stronger.

    The 6583rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino

    "Italian Folktales" is a collection of enchanting and timeless stories from Italy's rich folkloric heritage. Compiled and retold by a prominent 20th-century writer, the book brings together a diverse array of tales filled with whimsy, wisdom, and magical elements. Each story transports readers into a world of brave heroes, cunning creatures, and fantastical events, reflecting the cultural traditions and social mores of different Italian regions. This anthology not only entertains but also preserves the folkloric legacy of Italy, showcasing the art of storytelling and the universal themes that connect humanity across time and space.

    The 6630th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Iron John by Robert Bly

    The book is a deep exploration of modern masculinity, drawing upon an ancient fairy tale to argue that contemporary society has lost touch with traditional male archetypes. Through a blend of mythology, poetry, and psychological insight, the author examines the critical stages of male development, advocating for a return to more emotionally rich and spiritually connected forms of manhood. He encourages men to rediscover and embrace their innate masculine qualities, such as strength, passion, and purpose, while also promoting a healthy balance with the more nurturing and compassionate aspects of their personalities. The work has been influential in the men's movement, challenging men to confront their fears and wounds in order to grow into more whole and integrated individuals.

    The 6898th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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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