The Islands of Magic: Legends, Folk and Fairy Tales from the Azores

In “The Islands of Magic: Legends, Folk and Fairy Tales from the Azores,” Elsie Spicer Eells masterfully collects and retells a vibrant tapestry of folklore from the enchanting Azores archipelago. The book is characterized by a lyrical prose style that immerses the reader in the rich tapestry of regional myths and tales, where the fantastical often intertwines with the everyday. Eells accentuates the cultural significance of these stories, showcasing their roles in preserving local identity against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing world. The collection not only entertains but also serves as a crucial scholarly resource that highlights the unique cultural heritage of the Azores, drawing upon both oral traditions and literary sources from the early 20th century. Eells, an American author and folk storyteller, dedicated her craft to bringing lesser-known tales to a wider audience. Her work is influenced by her travels and her deep appreciation for folklore as a means of cultural expression. Eells's passion for the narratives that shape communities is palpable, and her scholarship reflects an understanding of how these tales weave into the fabric of identity, particularly in island cultures like those of the Azores. This book is highly recommended for readers and scholars interested in ethnography, folklore, and cultural studies. It not only serves as a delightful read but also as an important contribution to the understanding of Azorean heritage. Eells's engaging storytelling and deep respect for the source material ensure that these tales resonate with both descendants of the Azores and those encountering this folklore for the first time.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
— A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
— The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
— A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
— A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
— A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
— Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
— Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.