"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.