Old Peter's Russian Tales

Name: Old Peter's Russian Tales
Author: Arthur Ransome

By Arthur Ransome

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Children & Young Adult Reading Mythology, Legends & Folklore Russian Literature

About This Book

A framed collection of Russian folktales presented as an elder's nightly storytelling to children in a forest hut. The retellings range from domestic vignettes to high adventure, featuring magical objects, talking animals, enchanted maidens, impossible tasks, and encounters with supernatural helpers or foes. Narrative voice shifts between simple, conversational storytelling and vividly descriptive scenes of landscape and household life, emphasizing folk wisdom, moral tests of kindness or cleverness, and the mixture of wonder and everyday routine that gives the tales their warmth.

About the Author

Arthur Ransome

Arthur Ransome was an English author and journalist, best known for his contributions to children's literature and his insightful studies of Russian culture. His notable works include "Old Peter's Russian Tales," which introduces young readers to traditional Russian folklore, and "A History of Story-telling: Studies in the development of narrative," where he explores the evolution of narrative forms. Ransome's experiences in Russia during the early 20th century informed his writing, particularly in works like "Russia in 1919," reflecting on the tumultuous period following the Russian Revolution. His literary legacy continues to influence both children's literature and cultural studies.