An extraordinary book, and a 'first' on the topic. . . . Bacchilega has a remarkable capacity to reveal the intersections of folklore, literature, and film. Her interpretations of classical folk-tale types and their postmodern revisions . . . are stunning.-Jack Zipes, University of Minnesota
A treasury of tales about merfolk and water spirits from different cultures, ranging from Scottish selkies to Hindu water-serpents to Chilean sea fairies. All tales are accompanied by commentary that explores their undercurrents, showing us how public perceptions of this popular mythical hybrid--at once a human and a fish--illuminate issues of gender, spirituality, ecology, and sexuality. -- adapted from back cover