Prehistoric men and women chipped their tales into cave walls. Native Americans handed down stories in elaborate ceremonies. Today, television and the movies tell our stories. No matter what medium, storytelling has always been essential. Stories pass along traditional values, entertain, or warn of past mistakes, We can see ourselves in the hero, fool, trickster, or teacher in the story--even if that character happens to be an inser! Folktales survive because they mirror our behavior. Storyteller, writer, and folktale enthusiast Pleasant DeSpain's unique storytellling style enhances these ancient and new stories. He has an uncanny ear for those tales that transcend and have passed into the universal frame of reference. His folktale adaptations carry his trademark elegance and succinct style. Each thematically arranged collection includes sourcenotes and a bibliography.