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HISTORICAL FICTION

THE WHOLE TRUTH, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS

Posts tagged folklore
Abe's Yarns and Stories

By Alexander K. McClure (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Abe’s Yarns and Stories, edited by Alexander K. McClure and first published in 1901 by the International Publishing Company, is a unique and enduring contribution to the cultural memory of Abraham Lincoln. Rather than a conventional biography, this volume presents Lincoln through the lens of his own storytelling—anecdotes, jokes, parables, and recollections that he used to communicate, persuade, and connect with people from all walks of life. The book is both a literary and historical artifact, capturing the essence of Lincoln’s personality and the oral tradition that helped shape his public image. McClure, a journalist and political figure who knew Lincoln personally, compiled this collection not only to entertain but to preserve the wit and wisdom of a man whose humor was as integral to his leadership as his moral conviction.
What makes Abe’s Yarns and Stories particularly compelling is its blend of folklore and fact. While some of the anecdotes may be apocryphal or embellished, they reflect the way Lincoln was remembered and revered by those who knew him and those who came after. The book thus serves as a bridge between history and myth, illustrating how Lincoln’s legacy was shaped not only by his deeds but by the stories told about him. McClure’s editorial voice is respectful and admiring, but he allows Lincoln’s own words and the voices of his contemporaries to take center stage. The result is a portrait that is intimate, humanizing, and deeply American. His rich self-education and his storytelling formed the foundation of a presidency that not only preserved the Union but also reshaped the American identity. They allowed him to lead not just with policy, but with wisdom and heart—qualities that continue to define his legacy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 360p.

Devils, Demons, Death and Damnation

By Ernst and Johanna Lehner

"Throughout history, artists have grappled with the problem of depicting clearly and forcefully the principles of evil and suffering in human existence." With this view, the Lehners have collected 214 representations, symbols, and manuscript pages of devils and death from Egyptian times to 1913. Reproductions from Dürer, Holbein, Cranach, Rembrandt and many other lesser known or unknown artists illustrate the fascinating history. The 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries are stressed.

THE DOVER PICTORIAL ARCHIVES SERIES, 1971, 191p.

The Sealskin Cloak

By Rolf Boldrewood

In "The Sealskin Cloak," readers are transported to the rugged coast of Iceland, where a young woman discovers a mysterious sealskin cloak washed ashore. As she begins to wear the cloak, she finds herself embroiled in a web of ancient legends and dark magic that threaten to consume her very existence.

As the townspeople whisper of selkies and forbidden love, our protagonist must navigate treacherous waters both literal and metaphorical. With lyrical prose and haunting imagery, this tale weaves a mesmerizing narrative of sacrifice, redemption, and the unfathomable depths of the human heart.

"The Sealskin Cloak" is a captivating blend of folklore and fantasy, where the line between reality and myth blurs, inviting readers to confront their own desires and the consequences of chasing forbidden dreams. Join us on a journey where love and loss become intertwined, and the true cost of magic is revealed in unexpected ways.

Macmillan, 1896, 571 pages