Description
By H. A. Guerber. Full color edition. Journey along the Rhine and discover the legends associated with its ancient towns, churches, castles, and ruins in this classic collection of German folklore.
In Legends of the Rhine, H. A. Guerber gathers the principal traditions connected with one of Europe’s most famous rivers. Intended both as a contribution to the study of folklore and as a legendary guide to the Rhine, the book follows the river through a landscape whose landmarks have inspired centuries of poetry and legend.
As the journey unfolds, historic places become the settings for tales of heroism, enchantment, conflict, and tragedy. The legend of the Lorelei appears alongside stories of rulers and warriors, supernatural events, buried treasures, and ill-fated love. Drawn from numerous German sources, these traditions reveal how closely the history and scenery of the Rhine became entwined with the imagination of the people who lived along its banks.
Guerber arranges the legends according to their geographical setting, allowing readers to travel from place to place while learning the stories associated with each location. Her retellings offer both an introduction to Rhine folklore and a literary journey through the legendary past of the German-speaking lands.
Originally written for travelers as well as those exploring the Rhine from home, Legends of the Rhine remains an engaging companion to the river and its historic landmarks. This carefully restored edition presents Guerber’s classic collection for a new generation of readers.
About the author: H. A. Guerber (1859–1929) was an American author and educator best known for her retellings of mythology, folklore, and history. Her numerous books introduced generations of readers to classical mythology, Norse legend, medieval literature, and important periods in European and American history.
