How can it be that the same story is found in Scotland and also in pre-Columbian America? What can account for the durability and persistence of tales?

In this wonderful collection of 65 stories from around the world, Idries Shah, perhaps the greatest collector of stories ever, recounts tales that are magnificent and enchanting, short and subtle, and gives us an idea of their rich pedigree, their origins, and the journey they have made to arrive in our time. A book that no-one could regret buying.

"Shah has given us an engrossing collection of tales, but he has done much more besides. Each tale is provided with an introduction that relates it to the context of its origin and development ... A delightful book, filled with stories that will appeal to the eye, mind and especially the heart." New Frontier