The Long Grass Whispers by Geraldine Elliot, published by Routledge & Kegan Paul in 1966, is a captivating collection of traditional African animal stories drawn from the rich oral storytelling heritage of the Ngoni people. Originally first published in 1939 and illustrated by Sheila Hawkins, The Long Grass Whispers gathers a series of vivid tales that bring the natural world of Africa to life through folklore, humour, and timeless moral lessons. These stories, passed down through generations, reflect the deep cultural traditions of storytelling that have long played a central role in African societies.
In The Long Grass Whispers, Geraldine Elliot retells fifteen engaging folk tales in which animals such as hyenas, baboons, tortoises, antelopes, and iguanas take on lively personalities and human traits. The stories often centre on cleverness, greed, friendship, and the consequences of foolish behaviour, echoing the universal tradition of animal fables found in cultures around the world. Many of the tales feature memorable trickster figures and quick-witted animals whose adventures carry both entertainment and gentle moral instruction, making the narratives appealing to readers of all ages.
The charm of The Long Grass Whispers lies in Elliot's clear, rhythmic storytelling style, which preserves the atmosphere of oral narration while presenting the tales in accessible literary form. Sheila Hawkins' illustrations add further character and visual warmth to the stories, enhancing the sense of place and bringing the animals and landscapes vividly to life. The result is a book that captures both the imagination and the cultural spirit behind these enduring folk traditions.
Today, The Long Grass Whispers remains a classic example of mid-twentieth-century collections of African folklore. Combining engaging storytelling with cultural insight, the book offers readers a glimpse into the imaginative world of traditional African tales, where wisdom is often carried on the wind through the long grass and shared through stories told beneath the open sky. For collectors of folklore, Africana, or vintage children's literature, it remains a charming and historically significant volume.
Condition - GoodÂ
Bound in grey cloth covered boards featuring an elephant motif on the front cover and lettering to the spine. The boards show moderate overall wear but remain structurally sound and well intact. The text block edges are discolored from age. Tape marks are present on the inner covers, and a prior ownership inscription appears in ink on the front endpaper. Internally, the pages show general age toning with sporadic foxing throughout. Overall a sound copy showing typical signs of age and use
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