"These essays... are of immense importance to anyone interested in the issues of origins and folklore texts." —Choice
"... this is Bascom at his best.... an attractive and full-bodied book." —Fabula
These essays, devoted to traditional narratives found in Africa and in the New World, represent the last major research project of William Bascom (1912-1981), eminent authority on African art and folklore—his intention was to demonstrate the African roots of African American folktales.