K. Langloh Parker 
Australian Legendary Tales: folk-lore of the Noongahburrahs as told to the Piccaninnies 

K. Langloh Parker’s ‘Australian Legendary Tales: folk-lore of the Noongahburrahs as told to the Piccaninnies’ is a collection of traditional Aboriginal stories passed down through generations. Parker, who was known for her work in recording and preserving Indigenous Australian folklore, presents a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and customs in a lyrical and engaging style. The book provides insight into the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the Noongahburrah people, as well as their deep connection to the land. This work serves as a valuable contribution to Australian literature and folklore studies, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the country’s heritage. Through her meticulous research and storytelling prowess, Parker brings these ancient tales to life for readers to appreciate and learn from. ‘Australian Legendary Tales’ is a must-read for anyone interested in indigenous cultures, folklore, and Australian history.

Sobre o autor

K. Langloh Parker, born Katherine Langloh Parker in 1856, was an Australian writer best known for her collection of indigenous stories and folklore, notably within her celebrated work ‘Australian Legendary Tales: folk-lore of the Noongahburrahs as told to the Piccaninnies’ (1896). Residing near the Narran River in New South Wales, Parker developed a close association with the local Aboriginal people, which allowed her an extraordinary entry into their oral traditions. She meticulously recorded these tales with a profound respect and care for their cultural significance and authenticity. Her literary style was characterized by an ethnographic approach that sought to preserve the stories in their original form as much as possible, offering readers a genuine insight into Aboriginal mythology and cultural practices. Her work, while criticized at times for being compiled from a colonial perspective, remains a valuable compilation of Aboriginal folklore, and she is credited with being among the first to do so in a time when Indigenous Australian narratives were in danger of being lost. Parker’s dedication to capturing and sharing Indigenous stories has earned her a respected place in Australian literature and the study of folklore. Her contribution to the preservation of Aboriginal tales has provided an essential resource for cultural historians and a wider audience interested in the rich oral traditions of Australia’s First Peoples.