Classic Tales From Modern Spain

Many of these stories are available here for the first time in English. All of them are classics in the sense that they are known and loved by every literate person in their native land as part of the cultural heritage of their nation. Each tale is preceded by a brief commentary on the author and the story.

An ideal resource for researchers and scholars interested in Latin American studies, this unique and valuable guide identifies individuals born between the years 1700 and 1910 who are or were engaged in some activity concerned with Latin America in general or any of its nations or regions. While the majority of Latinamericanists cited here served as university professors, diplomats, and business people, the list of notable experts includes artists, attorneys, authors, bankers, clergy, explorers, economists, geologists, and journalists. For each entry, the author has listed each individual's full name, profession, employer, and two of his publications, thereby indicating his or her Latin American interests. The fascinating array of topics that these pioneers have addressed in their books include subjects that have been studies extensively, as well as those subjects that have barely been reviewed. A valuable feature of the book is the history of Latin American studies, written by pioneer Dr. A. P. Nasatir, Research Professor of History Emeritus at San Diego State University, who began teaching in the United States in 1928. Faculty, students, and researchers interested in Latin American studies will find this book valuable.

Fairy Tales from Spain Once upon a time there was a boy named Rupert, the sharpest and most prudent lad in his village, and indeed in any of those to be found for twenty leagues around. One night he was with a group of boys of his own age, who, gathered round the fire, were listening with amazement to a veteran soldier, covered with scars, which had gained him the modest stripes of a sergeant pensioner, and who was telling the story of his adventures. The narrator was at the most interesting point of his tale. "The great City of Fortune," he said, "is situated on the summit of a very high mountain, so steep that only very few have succeeded in reaching the top. There gold circulates in such abundance that the inhabitants do not know what to do with the precious metal. Houses are built of it, the walls of the fortress are of solid silver, and the cannons which defend it are enormous pierced diamonds. The streets are paved with duros, always new, because as soon as they begin to lose their brilliance they are replaced by others just minted. "You ought to see the cleanliness of it! What dirt there is is pure gold dust, which the dust carts collect in order to throw in large baskets into the drains. "The pebbles against which we stumble continually are brilliants as large as nuts, despised on account of the extraordinary abundance with which the soil supplies them. In a word, he who lives there may consider the most powerful of the earth as beggars. "The worst of it is that the path which leads there is rough and difficult, and most people succumb without having been able to arrive at the city of gold." Rupert did not let the words of the soldier go in at one ear and out at the other; and so it was that, hardly had the occasion of being alone with him arisen before he inquired: "Do you know the way to this enchanted city?" "I should rather think so, my son; but I do not advise you to try the journey." "Why?" "The way is long and rocky. I came back the first day, startled at the difficulties which must be overcome. But anyhow, if you are resolved to go, I must give you the following warning. In order to get to Fortune there are two paths: a very broad one, full of stones and crags; if you go that way the sharp points of the pebbles will tear your feet to pieces and you will be crushed by fatigue. A thousand terrible difficulties will arise to meet you; you will have to struggle with cruel enemies, and if, at last, you succeed in vanquishing all, you will arrive at Fortune already old and worn, when riches will be of no use to you. The other path is level and short, but..." "Enough! Do not say any more; show me it now, and I will look after the rest." "All right, all right! I will show it to you, and God grant that your not having wished to hear me to the end will not bring you suffering." And the little rogue, without saying good-bye to his parents or his brother, began to walk in the direction the old soldier had shown him; and went on and on, happier than a sand-boy, thinking of the riches which awaited him, and which he already believed to have within reach of his hand. At the end of two days he arrived at the bank of a large river. On it was a boat, and in the boat a negro of colossal stature.

In this volume you will find fairy tales and folklore from Spain plus a few from other countries brought back to Spain by sailors and merchants in the heyday of their great navy. Compiled by J. Munoz Escamez, these 19 Spanish tales are further enhanced by the eight colour plates by W. Matthews. Here you will find uniquely Spanish tales like: The City of Fortune, The Garden of Health, Carabi! Carabo!, The Author of the Wall, The Devil's Tournament, The Treasure of the Dragon, The Man with the Two Faces plus many more. Many of the old fairy tale books published over a century ago, best sellers in their time, are now in a dilapidated condition. Reading them would only ruin them further. But there is a solution! It is the aim of Abela Publishing to give these old books new life in the digital age and ensure they are kept alive for our children and our children’s children. Abela is the Zulu word for to share or distribute. As such Abela Publishing will donate 10% of the profit from the sale of this book to charities. We invite you to curl up with this unique sliver of Spanish culture not seen in print for over a century; and immerse yourself in the tales and fables of yesteryear. ---------------------------- TAGS: fairy tales, folklore, myths, legends, children’s stories, Spanish children’s stories, Spain, bygone era, classic stories, children’s bedtime stories, Khing-Chu-Fu, City of Fortune, Garden of Health, Carabi! Carabo!, Author of the Wall, Devil's Tournament, Treasure of the Dragon, Man with the Two Faces, Treachery of Micifuf, Trompetilla and Trompetin, Quack Doctor, Drawing School, Man with the Nose, Island of Brilliants, Judgment of the Flowers, Three Questions, Captain's Exploit, Topsy-Turvy World, Don Suero the Proud, Iberia, Iberian

Experience the enchanting world of Spanish folk tales through the vibrant retelling of José Muñoz Escámez. From trickster foxes to talking bees, these stories are sure to captivate and delight readers of all ages. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

A collection of fairy tales originating from Spain.

Using a wide array of archival documentation, including Inquisition records, wills, dowry contracts, folklore, and court cases, Poska examines how early modern Spanish peasant women asserted and perceived their authority within the family and community and how the large numbers of female-headed households in the region functioned in the absence of men.