Gerard BessonFolklore & Legends of Trinidad and Tobago

Hard a copy of this growing up but unfortunately left it in Trinidad so happy I was able to find it here! Great book.

Some of the greatest stories ever told about the Trinidad and Tobago of old.

Beautiful book with lovely illustrations. Having been born in Trinidad, it was interesting to actually learn of the stories behind the myths, with which I grew up hearing.

I am learning things I didnt even know and I lived Trinidad for 16 years of my 24 years. Amazing buy

I bought this because it’s from my home country

"Folklore & Legends of Trinidad and Tobago" is an absolutely authentic folklore book, presented in the classic "raconteur" style of the French Antillean culture. It has beautiful illustrations by Trinidadian artists like Peter Shim and Stuart Hahn, each of whom became subsequently very famous in their own right, and by the famous illustrator of the 1950s, Alfred Codallo. This lovely, whimsical book gives both background explanations of the various folklore characters that populate Trinidad's lore: Papa Bois, the keeper of the forest; the Soucouyant, a vampire-like character; La Diablesse, the spirit of the woman wronged; the Ligahoo or shape changer, and many, many more. These explanations are interspersed with stories, poems, even excerpts from other publications like for example "Ti Jean" by Nobel Prize Winner Derek Walcott who graciously contributed to this book. "Folklore & Legends" is organised by folklore character, and each section is to be read as though sitting by a blazing fire, on the beach, with a raconteur silencing the group and capturing their attention with the traditional: "Et crique?" and the listeners answering: "Et craque!", indicating their readiness to listen, and to keep the narrative in their hearts to in turn pass it on to another generation. It's a wonderful book about Trinidad, by Trinidad, with Trinidad in its soul.

This is just a mishmash of writing. No clearly defined flow. There must be a better book. This is being said by a Trinidadian who has grown up with knowledge of the mythology and wanted to have a book in my home representing Trinidadian folklore.

I grew up in Trinidad hearing these stories, but I was hoping the book was more organized than this. Its the only book out here for Trinidad folklore, so I hope that someone else would write something better.

Great read beautiful images and descriptions definitely recommend

This is a worthwhile book for any school, home or library. Culture, history and tradition in the younger generation is dying out this book brings much of it back to life in a easy to read and informative way.

The book came damaged