The Jack Tales

When I was in elementary school, I had a teacher that would read from this book if the class behaved. I had all but forgotten them until I happed to see them in a recommended for you section. They are not the fairy tales of the Grimm brothers, but they are decidedly southern. The main character Jack uses his wits and bravado to outwit giants, magical creatures and even death. For a small boy growing up in a poor area, it stirred my imagination. Reading them now, they are not politically correct, but that I like that about them. Jack (the hero) always comes out on top, but never in a way in most would think or be proud. The books simply are what they are and that is good enough for me. Thanks to Amazon for whatever computer program that put this book on my list. Thanks for bringing back a forgotten piece of my childhood when the sum of my problems was catching the bus on time, doing my homework and chores and making friend who would last a lifetime.

I have had this book since I was a child. Our father used to read these every night and so we purchased a copy for my niece so that she can grow up with the same great tales we did! This copy was in fabulous condition and came in exactly when it was supposed to! I’m so happy with purchase!

The Jack Tales are a cycle of stories originating in Europe, but this book compiles the tales transmogrified as they ended up a part of the oral tradition in the American South. If you're familiar with fairy and folk tales you'll recognize tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, The Master Thief, and several others, but even if you've known them (or think you've known them) before these American versions are unique and beautiful and certainly stand on their own.On a personal note, as a budding folklore buff I've been devouring books featuring stories from all over the globe, but what a pleasure it is to discover some from roughly my neck of the woods as a Southerner! I'd like to thank the dear departed Mr. Chase for compiling this book and his other two (Grandfather Tales and American Folk Tales and Songs). They should be a part of any personal library.

My school teacher Mother read these books to her children and her students. The stories are written in Appalachian Mountain brogue and are so much fun to read to children. Brings out what limited dramatic flare I have! Kids love the stories about a boy who uses his brains instead of his brawn to defeat giants and have adventures that spark imagination. Mostly for children age 6 and up. My granddaughter requested the book when she was expecting her first baby!

Very nice safe kids book. We use this around the campout on Scout camping trips. The kids love to hear some of Jack's adventures. These lead to some interesting discussions since some of Jack's behaviors and actions go agaisnt the Scout oath and Law.

It took me the longest time to remember the name of this book. I had read it years ago when I was growing up. Luckily, my fond memories of the stories from this book gave me the urge to seek it out on Amazon. Low and behold, I was able to find it. After reading it all these years later, I was surprised at how dark some of the stories are. But they are still pretty entertaining. I like the "southern" style storytelling of the book, and would recommend it to others no matter their age.

I got this for my elderly mother who grew up in the Southern Appalachians during the Depression. This book reminded her of terms and sayings that were part of her childhood. She enjoyed this book and I subsequently got the "Folk Tales" version.

My mother, who was from North Carolina with relatives in the Appalachians, read The Jack Tales to my brother and me before we started reading for ourselves. She got really tired of doing so, because we'd ask for them over and over. Fairy tales are the deep learning of childhood, and to hear these stories written the same way our older relatives spoke was wondrous. The stories themselves are a celebration of Jack the hero and Jack the Trickster, told with plenty of humour to keep things interesting and in a voice both authentically American and of universal appeal. I'm delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy - this is a book well worth reading and preserving for the next generation of avid readers.