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Pashtun Tales
From the Pakistan-Afghan Border
Synopsis
These oral tales were collected in the tribal areas on the Pakistan-Afghan frontier, a region described as the last free place on earth. It was here that the caravan routes from Persia, India and China once converged. With their blend of wit, fantasy, comedy and romance, they reflect the Pashtun code of honour and way of life that are now seriously threatened by social changes and recent political events. Most of them, such as the epic tale of Hazrat Ali, have never been recorded before, and might otherwise have been lost forever. Some are recognisable as universal types, such as a version of "Androcles and the Lion" and of the tale that provided Shakespeare with the plot of "King Lear".
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What Reviewers Are Saying
'Witty, macabre, beautiful and poignant ... populated by dozy princes and charming demons, these ancient tales are characterised by yearning: the desire for a past Eden to become a future utopia.' Independent On Sunday 'The first substantial anthology of Pashtun tales, scrupulously edited. The stories retain a power to charm and shock by turns.' Irish Times 'The authors of this volume have performed a great service. This utterly charming, beautifully illustrated book is wonderful food for the imagination.' The Tablet 'Essential reading for anyone who wishes to challenge the thesis that world cultures are in a state of inevitable clash. Great fun besides.' Akbar Ahmed, American University, USA 'All the passion, devotion, humour, and wisdom of Pashtun society can be read in the tales in this collection.' Andre Singer, Adjunct professor of Anthropology, University of Southern California and author Lords of the Khyber 'Reading this, I felt I was sitting about a campfire high in the Hindu Kush mountains, listening to tales full of enchantment and laughter. An excellent and well-crafted work that I recommend to everyone.' Eric Margolis, author of War at the Top of the World