"Sweet Land of Story" -Pleasant DeSpain

After going to Devil's Tower, I looked around for the tale about how it was formed. I came across this collection of folk tales from across America. Sweet Land of Story: 36 American tales to tell has supernatural, nature, tall tales, and comedy.

Besides Pecos Bill, Johnny Appleseed, and Paul Bunyon, there's also historial figures such as Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Jesse James. There's a tale of how dogs became domesticated, a commentary on marriage, and morality tales. A quick read.

I especially liked the talle "La Escalara Famosa (The Famous Stair)" from New Mexico. It's a real structure, a spiral staircase, built by a stranger and still survives today. I think I'd like to go see it...

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Sadly, through most of this book, I was picturing all the movies and cartoons they've made: Disney's "Pecos Bill" and "Johnny Appleseed" cartoons; MGM's "Calamity Jane" musical; and Barbara Stanwyck's "Annie Oakley" movie.