Tales from Within the Clouds: Nakhi Stories of China by Han, Carolyn (Retold by) Cheng, Jaiho (translated by) - 1997

Honolulu, Hawaii, U. S. A.: Univ Of Hawaii Pr. New with no dust jacket. 1997. Hardcover. South of the clouds, in the land of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, dwell the descendants of a once pastoral people, the Nakhi. Today there are still Nakhi who follow their ancient traditions, and Nakhi folktales reflect their beliefs. In the legends presented here we discover why the Sun - hot-tempered and impetuous, is unpleasant to look at, while the graceful Moon attracts us with her silvery light; why the azalea, for all her beauty, lives the shortest and saddest of lives. In a Nakhi creation tale, we learn that the oceans and mountains are the result of a terrible battle in which Sumei Naga, a beautiful but greedy sepent, is slain for stealing a jeweled egg. The ten stories, illustrated with delightful paintings by celebrated artist Li Ji, welcome us into the unique and little-known world of the Nakhi. Fully illustrated - still in publishers wrap. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. .