The Dark Way: Stories from the Spirit World - Hardcover

Hamilton, Virginia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152223401 ISBN 13: 9780152223403

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 1990

Synopsis

A collection of folk tales, legends, and myths involving the supernatural, from cultures around the world.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5 Up-- Twenty-five eerie tales from folklore, myth, and legend told around the world, written with resonance and precision. Presented for readers' shivery enjoyment are stories ancient and modern, myth and fable, some playful and many truly horrifying. Some of the characters are motivated by the fear of death or the desire to make harmony in their worlds. But here too are the familiar folklore catalysts of jealousy, greed, curiosity, and disobedience. Of course there are also poor, hapless souls who just by virtue of happenstance fall victim to evil-doers. Most effective are the tales from folklore that lack the distant, formal quality of some of the myths and legends. And those stories with children as protagonists strike the most affecting chord. Even without illustrations these tales are chilling. But add to them Davis' disquieting portraits, and the stories really pack a wallop. Frightening is the depiction of an oni as it screams in pain from a sword plunged into its tongue. Conversely there is almost a peaceful, pink-cheeked quietness to the portrait of a dying priest as his soul leaves his body in the form of a butterfly. These stories are ripe for telling, and both readers and tellers will find useful the background notes and comments at the end of each story. Read and enjoy. But beware, for there are witches in the air. --Denia Lewis Hester, Dewey School, Evanston, IL
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

In this world-spanning collection of 25 tales about dealings with the spirit world, award-winning author Hamilton presents a close look at readers' deepest fears and most fervent wishes. The anthology includes the myth of Medusa and Perseus, the Russian folktale of "Baba Yaga, the Terrible," the legend of The Flying Dutchman, as well as stories from African, Chinese, American Indian and Norse mythologies and more. Although many of these narratives are hair-raising, Hamilton's smooth, conversational writing makes every shiver bearable,stet comma and highlights the profound affirmation of life and the human experience that lies at the stories' heart. Davis's misty acrylic paintings perfectly capture the otherworldly moods as they propel readers through the action. Explaining her diverse sources, Hamilton's "comments" following each story are helpful and intriguing. The Dark Way is a magnificent book, and a worthy companion to The People Could Fly and In the Beginning! Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0152223401
• ISBN 13: 9780152223403
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 154
• Illustrator: Davis Lambert