Myths, Legends, and Folktales of America: An Anthology

A surpirse indeed. I was actually expecting and anthology of folktales ranging from Paul Bunyan to Casey Jones and Johnny Appleseed etc. Although most of these also appear in the book, the book delves into the historical roots of many of the belief systems of american indians as well. Tracing European, African and Asian beliefs/myths/legends about creation and the development of (wo)mankind makes for fascinating reading. How these belief systems intermingled and adapted to thier new environment and formed a basis for the new "American way of life" - highly recommended reading!