Exploring the enigmatic figure of the Pied Piper, this book delves into the legend's historical roots and its enduring impact on culture. It features excerpts from various texts and highlights the Piper's representation in art, children's literature, political cartoons, and modern media. Additionally, the work reviews scholarly interpretations and provides a comprehensive list of resources for further study. Suitable for high school students and general readers, it stands as a definitive guide to understanding this iconic character and his significance in contemporary society.
Mieder Wolfgang Livres






Exploring the rich tradition of proverbs, this reference work provides a thorough overview of their significance across cultures. It starts with definitions and classifications, then highlights notable examples while discussing their roles in literature, politics, and daily life. The text also delves into various methodologies for studying proverbs. A bibliography of resources and a glossary enhance its educational value, complemented by numerous illustrations, making it a valuable tool for high school students, undergraduates, and general readers alike.
Wer eine Sprache richtig gut lernen möchte, kommt um ihre Sprichwörter nicht herum. Das Buch enthält rund 1200 Sprichwörter, die sprachlich und sachlich erläutert wie auch zeitlich eingeordnet werden. Eine aufschlussreiche Einleitung führt in den Band ein, die abschließenden Literaturhinweise bieten Anknüpfungspunkte für eine noch intensivere Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema. Von »Absence makes the heart grow fonder« bis »Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly«. Redewendungen verstehen und anwenden lernen Alphabetisch angeordnet für schnelles, gezieltes Nachschlagen Mit Worterklärungen für ein besseres Grundverständnis der englischen Wendungen Niveau B1–C1 (GER)
As President Barack Obama outlined his promise for change during the presidential campaign, he made effective use of proverbs and proverbial phrases, and invented many quotable epithets that have all the makings of future proverbs. This book examines how Obama's natural and authentic reliance on traditional metaphors enhances his impressive rhetoric, rather than reducing it to mere sound bites. Proverbs, with their often colorful metaphors, add expressiveness and emotion to his communications, giving people the opportunity to follow his pragmatic or philosophical arguments through common language. No matter the subject, Obama's prose contains metaphorical language that makes his rhetoric and oratory universally accessible. This book contains detailed analyses of the proverbial rhetoric in Obama's books Dreams from My Father (1995) and The Audacity of Hope (2006). A section looks at his proverbial language in 229 speeches, news conferences, interviews, and radio addresses, and the final section presents in-depth studies of his seven most significant addresses. It includes a comprehensive contextualized index of 1714 proverbial texts found within the writings and speeches from Obama's political beginnings to his memorable inaugural address.
From "Look before you leap" to "Practice what you preach," the wisdom of proverbs has captivated people throughout history. This engaging exploration highlights the significance of traditional proverbs and their modern adaptations. Wolfgang Mieder examines the various roles proverbs play today, from sales tactics to propaganda. He illustrates how proverbs evolve to reflect changing social attitudes, with original phrases morphing into advertising slogans or political rhetoric, and misogynistic sayings transforming into feminist messages. In investigating "Early to bed and early to rise," Mieder reveals that Benjamin Franklin did not originate this popular saying; only 5% of the proverbs in Poor Richard's Almanack were actually coined by him. He also traces "A picture is worth a thousand words" back to a 1921 advertising slogan and discusses the medical wisdom found in proverbs like "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." While such advice may be general, it embodies common-sense insights supported by medical scholarship. Furthermore, he explores the journey of "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water" from 16th-century Germany to the United States, noting its use by literary figures such as Martin Luther and George Bernard Shaw. This insightful examination reveals the enduring relevance and adaptability of proverbs in contemporary culture.
Behold the Proverbs of a People
Proverbial Wisdom in Culture, Literature, and Politics
- 498pages
- 18 heures de lecture
Exploring the field of paremiology, this book delves into the significance of proverbs as a universal form of wisdom. It examines the spread of Anglo-American proverbs in Europe and the emergence of modern sayings. The text also analyzes proverbs in political contexts, featuring insights on President Obama, and highlights their role in literature. Concluding with cultural studies, it offers an in-depth look at the origin, history, and meaning of specific proverbs, showcasing their enduring relevance and impact across various domains.
A Rising Tide Lifts All the Boats
The Proverbial Rhetoric of John F. Kennedy
- 302pages
- 11 heures de lecture
Exploring eight thousand pages of John F. Kennedy's communications, this book delves into his unique use of proverbs and formulaic language. It highlights themes such as his emphasis on eloquence, the biblical wisdom woven into his speeches, and the use of folk proverbs to advocate for justice and peace. Additionally, it examines his penchant for animal metaphors and maritime expressions to convey deeper meanings about life. The second part features a detailed index of passages showcasing these sententious references within their contexts.
Tradition and Innovation in Folk Literature
- 294pages
- 11 heures de lecture
Exploring the evolution of folk literature, this book traces the journey of well-known tales from their origins to contemporary applications in various fields like advertising, journalism, and politics. The author highlights the adaptability of these narratives, showcasing how they transform in form and meaning across cultures and historical contexts. By examining fairy tales, legends, nursery rhymes, and more, it provides insights into the generational passage of storytelling, making it a valuable resource for literature students.
