Supernatural Korea - by Im Bang & Horace Newton Allen & James Gale (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A gorgeously illustrated collection of 19 classic Korean tales of the supernatural!

From spooky tales of shape-shifting beasts and vengeful demons to romantic stories of enchanted love, the 19 stories in this collection bring together the best of Korea's supernatural folklore. Thirty-six gorgeous watercolor paintings and pencil drawings by artist Marco Furlotti bring the stories to life.

Included in this anthology are:

• The Hen and the Centipede: A poor man marries his wealthy employer, only to find she is an otherworldly centipede locked in a deadly battle with a ferocious white rooster
• How Chin Outwitted the Devils: A clever policeman tricks hell's emissaries, who trap the souls of the dying in earthenware bottles
• The Swallow King's Rewards: A kind man gains magical riches for helping an injured swallow, while his greedy brother suffers bizarre curses
• Yun Se-Pyong, the Wizard: Two rival magicians clash in an epic duel--one transformed into a beetle, the other into a bee
• Plus 15 more supernatural tales to captivate readers of all ages!

These classic tales are retold by authors who traveled to Korea and fell in love with the rich culture they encountered. This deluxe hardcover volume will be treasured by fans of Korean culture, as well as anyone who enjoys a good demon story.

Review Quotes

"As beautiful as the literature in this book are the new watercolour illustrations provided by Marco Furlotti, an Italian artist who has previously worked on adaptations of Frankenstein, Dracula and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. What better track record for a book of this nature? The 36 paintings and pencil sketches enhance the text, making the richness of the Korean culture and lore jump off the page. This is a book to be savoured as much for the presentation and illustration as for the traditional stories it brings together." --The Folklore Podcast

"Authentic, entertaining, absorbing, fascinating, and a fun read from cover to cover, Supernatural Korea is especially and unreservedly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in Korean historical and popular cultural folklore and mythology." --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Marco Furlotti is an Italian artist and illustrator of books for children and adults. His children's books include the internationally successful series The Dragon and the Mouse (NuiNui) and Keb Mo's Life is Beautiful (Flowerpot Press). He is the creator of illustrated adaptations of Frankenstein, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dracula. He produced the illustrations for this book using watercolor on paper, surrounded by his three little girls, their animals, and the soft Apennine hills of Parma, Italy.

Im Bang was born in Korea in 1640. A disciple of the writer Song Si-yol, his writings have long been revered in Korea, and his reputation as a great scholar has endured for centuries. Late in life, he served as governor of Seoul before being exiled to the north, where he died.

Horace Newton Allen, an American physician, missionary and diplomat, arrived in Korea in 1884 to serve as doctor to foreign legations and the Korean royal family. In 1897 he was appointed U.S. ambassador to Korea, a position he held until 1905. He is the author of four books, including Korean Tales.

James Gale was a Presbyterian minister who arrived in Korea in 1888 to teach English and help translate the bible into Korean. His books include History of the Korean People and Korean Folk Tales, in which he translated the writings of Im Bang and 15th century scholar Yi Ryuk.

William Elliot Griffis was an American minister and author with a lifelong interest in East Asian culture. His numerous books include volumes of folklore from Europe, Japan and Korea as well as books on Korean and Japanese history.

Homer Hulbert was an American missionary, scholar, and editor of the monthly magazine Korea Review. Hulbert moved to Korea in 1886 and spent two decades there preaching, teaching, writing, and pressing unsuccessfully for Korean independence during negotiations with Japan. Among the wide-ranging articles in his magazine were many folktales that he collected and translated.