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.

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