Skip to main content

Gods, Demons, and Others

Following in the footsteps of the storytellers of his native India, R. K. Narayan has produced his own versions of tales taken from the Ramayana and the Mahabarata. Carefully selecting those stories which include the strongest characters, and omitting the theological or social commentary that would have drawn out the telling, Narayan informs these fascinating myths with his urbane humor and graceful style.

"Mr. Narayan gives vitality and an original viewpoint to the most ancient of legends, lacing them with his own blend of satire, pertinent explanation and thoughtful commentary."—Santha Rama Rau, New York Times

"Narayan’s narrative style is swift, firm, graceful, and lucid . . . thoroughly knowledgeable, skillful, entertaining. One could hardly hope for more."—Rosanne Klass, Times Literary Supplement


252 pages | 22 line drawings | 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 | © 1993

Fiction

Folklore and Mythology

Table of Contents

The World of the Storyteller
The Gods of the Stories
Lavana
Chudala
Yayati
Devi
Viswamitra
Manmata
Ravana
Valmiki
Draupadi
Nala
Savitri
The Mispaired Anklet
Shakuntala
Harischandra
Sibi
A Note on Cosmogony
Glossary

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press