Legends Of The Rhine

Legends of the Rhine is a collection of classic folk tales about the Rhine river in Germany. Each story is only a few pages long, yet all have their roots in long-held legend. The black-and-white interior illustrations date from 1833 to the late 19th century, and are from the collection of German expert Dr. Reichmann of Indiana. Folk tales range from traditional to supernatural in tone; Legends of the Rhine is an absorbing read and a reflective look at the life, culture, and storytelling of Germany.

Joanne Asala has compiled over a dozen books of folklore, the myths and legends of European people.This title is the latest in her series.All the classic Rhine river stories are included.Illustrations date from 1833 to late 19th century from the collection of German expert Dr. Eberhard Reichmann of Indiana.In 1438,an Italian traveler noted, "nowhere in Europe is a river so adorned with so many significant cities; although surpassed in length by many, none are surrounded by greater nobility and charm..." This is but one of the numerous tributes pad by visitors overwhelmed by the Rhine regions' natural and man-made beauty.Dr. Reichmann writes, "...the Rhine is not only the most traveled international waterway, it is the river that runs right through the German soul. It has been celebrated in song and in poetry and prose and art, ever since the days of Roman settlement on its banks and vicinity more than 2,000 years ago. Especially on the Middle Rhine, where it has carved its path through several mountain ranges, there are more romantic castles and castle ruins, often surrounded by steep vineyards, than anywhere in the world."The legends' short prose depicts strange and phantasmic evens, often embracing the supranatural."Not until the early nineteen century did this rich oral legend tradition catch the attention of collectors and researchers."