This collection of African-American folktales highlights the unbroken chain of a rich oral tradition. The stories share the richness and variety of a cultural heritage that has crossed the Atlantic, survived slavery, and triumphed over the ignorance of racism and bigotry.
High John the Conqueror sometimes called simply High John or John was a slave trickster who always outwits Old Master. Much like Greek slave Aesop's animal characters, High John was the subject of a series of subversive narratives, whose mission was to outsmart his oppressors. Tall tales of High John's exploits flourished during slavery, but after emancipation they fell out of circulation and his antics were all but forgotten.
Scamper into the world of frightening fiends! The Biggest, Baddest Book of Monsters will take you on a journey to uncover the most hair-raising, spine-chilling, blood-curdling monsters. Learn about haunted places and infested lakes. Get the dirt on zombies and vampires!
