New York, NY (PRWEB) August 14, 2012
Long before history was written, it began through oral narratives shared around a campfire. In the Caribbean, the art of storytelling is highly prized, and this explains the peoples strong oral tradition. In fact, readers will find that myths, legends, and folktales in the Caribbean repertoire are rich and varied, reflecting the many cultural experiences that have shaped life in the Caribbean. Author and educator Clement London gives them a chance to explore some of these intriguing tales in his book, Caribbean Visions in Folktales, made available through Xlibris since February 2002.
Supernatural beings such as La Diablesse, Soucouyant, and Lugarhoo are distinct characters of Caribbean folklore. Their stories are told in settings that are consistent with the fear, suspense, and terror that these beings inspire. Moral teaching is implicit in these tales an encounter with one of these creatures may be the result of disregarding a warning. Andrew Salkey of Trinidad and Jan Carew of Guyana have emphasized their cultural and historical importance and have contributed to the collection of the tales, myths, and legends of various Caribbean islands. Caribbean people are justly proud of this rich store of oral literature and its great contribution to their cultural life.
Educators are becoming more and more aware of the important cultural and historical information that may be obtained from folktales. In this illuminating volume, London presents effective examples of key elements in the development and perpetuation of some of the myths, legends, and folktales of Caribbean islands. Readers can follow the development of legends in rural villages, the manner in which folktales function as a means of moral instruction, and the unique values and traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. Those who work in the area of creative arts, history, language, humanities will all find this material challenging, and can even use it as a means of bringing a new dimension to their work.
Caribbean Visions in Folktales will be featured at the 2012 New York State Reading Association Book Exhibit in Syracuse, N.Y. on October 28 -30, 2012 and at the 2013 Association of College and Research Libraries in Indianapolis, Ind.on Mar. 10 – 11, 2013.
About the Author
Dr. Clement London was born in Trinidad where he earned a Teachers Diploma. He obtained B.A. and M.A. degrees at City College, an Ed.M and Ed.D. at Teachers College, Columbia University. Professor London taught for 28 years at Fordham University Graduate School of Education, preparing educators for their Masters, Professional Diplomas and Doctoral degrees. He has presented at numerous conferences, and has published numerous articles, monographs, poems and books. He is a member of several groups, including: Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Delta Kappa, Board of Directors, Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture, Association of Caribbean Studies, American Museum of Natural History, Library of Congress, Academy of American Poets, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Caribbean Visions in Folktales * by Clement London
Roots of Transition in Schools
Publication Date: February 5, 2002
Trade Paperback; $ 18.69; 206 pages; 978-0-7388-6365-8
Trade Hardback; $ 28.79; 206 pages; 978-0-7388-6364-1
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