Story

What is the essence of story? While others have focused on the importance of structure in the art of story, Scheub emphasizes emotion. He shows how an expert storyteller uses structural elements -- image, rhythm, and narrative -- to shape a story's fundamental emotional content. To guide the audience on this emotional journey is the storyteller's art. The traditional stories from South African, Xhosa, and San cultures included in the book lend persuasive support to Scheub's argument. These stories speak for themselves, illustrating that a skilled performer can stir emotions despite obstacles of space, time, and culture.