Contents: The Origins of Folk-Lore; The Descent of Fire; Werewolves and Swan-Maidens; Light and Darkness; Myths of the Barbaric World; Juventus Mundi; The Primeval Ghost-World.
Mr. Fiske has given us a book which is at once sensible and attractive, on a subject about which much is written that is crotchety or tedious.—W. R. S. Ralston, in Athenæum (London).
This volume is not a text-book of scientific mythology. It contains seven essays crowded with quotations and examples, in the abundant use of which the writer's learning is not more conspicuous than his literary skill. Not everybody can shape and control such wealth of material.—Christian Union (New York).
He has, as we must admit, one qualification for attaining his object, in being completely master of his subject, and in knowing also how to treat it in an attractive manner.—Felix Liebrecht, in Academy (London).
It is extremely interesting for its happy combination of psychologic analysis with a study of the primitive beliefs of mankind.... A perusal of this thorough work cannot be too strongly recommended to all who are interested in comparative mythology.—Revue Critique (Paris).
Mr. Fiske is a master of perspicuous explanation.—World (New York).
Its weight of sense and its lucidity will extend Mr. Fiske's reputation as one of the clearest-minded, most conscientiously laborious and well-trained students in this country.—Nation (New York).
With the capacity for profound research and the power of critical consideration, he has a singular grace of style, and an art of clear and simple statement, which will not let the most indifferent refuse knowledge of the topics treated. In such a field as the discussion of old fables and superstitions affords, we have not only to admire Mr. Fiske for the charm of his manner, but for the justice and honesty of his method.—Atlantic Monthly.
It is both an amusing and instructive book, evincing large research, and giving its results in a lucid and attractive style.—E. P. Whipple.