Masterful series by a master professor

I've enjoyed several titles by Professor Fee. This is his best. We have three young kids with active imaginations and we seek out books and stories encourage their interest in learning and teach moral lessons. This series covers the major stories making up America folklore while providing real insides into the important truths they tell. Fee combines deep knowledge with enthusiasm and humor. You'll enjoy his talks and find much to discuss with your kids.

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic presenter, meaningful take

Fee is one of those presenters you completely enjoy and instinctively trust. He has an exhaustive knowledge of his topic but also an objectivity that helps you situate each detail in context. It's fascinating to learn the reasons why certain historical figures (or legendary characters) have been memorialized in a certain way for historical or commercial benefit. I also appreciate that Fee isn't delivering a complete debunking--he shows how the true lives of famous figures like Johnny Appleseed were still remarkable even if their stories have been hyperbolized over time. I also appreciate that Fee includes indigenous, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American and Latinx tall tales, underscoring the point that these are all American tall tales and part of our collective imagination as a nation. Also, I learned that the legend of the Chupacabra started in 1995 on the Internet--wow!

Brings back great memories

This book brought me back to grade school in learning about these wonderful stories. Looking back, I greatly appreciate the societal context Chris Fee provides. It shines a new light on the stories and I really enjoyed looking at them with a new perspective.

Fee is a Master

Really enjoyed this. It's an in-depth (24 audio lecture) course on the history of myths, legends, and folklore in American history. Folk tales carry far more significance and wisdom than I previously realized. Fee also does a great job of bringing in a diverse set of perspectives; he includes African American folklore; Native American folklore; Hispanic American folklore and more. The presenter himself is highly knowledgeable and passionate about the topic. A must listen.