First published 1981
Harold Courlander presents the rich oral heritage of Negro cultures spanning the Caribbean, North America, Central America, and South America. The collection draws together stories of legendary figures, rogues, and bold explorers alongside narratives of significant historical events. Courlander focuses on traditions passed down through spoken word rather than written records. The anthology includes portrayals of religious and spiritual practices, heroic tales, and accounts of notable occurrences that shaped these communities. These selections illuminate the cultural wisdom, values, and experiences preserved through generations of storytelling. The book offers readers direct access to folklore that reveals how Negro communities across different regions maintained their cultural identity and shared knowledge through oral transmission.
Genres: history, african-american, folklore, non-fiction
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-identity, oral-tradition
Setting: Caribbean, North America, Central America, South America
Period: 20th-century
618 pages · Hardcover · Crown