Howard Schwartz

Howard Schwartz is an American author, folklorist, and professor known for his significant contributions to Jewish literature and mythology. His work spans multiple genres including folklore collections, poetry, fiction, and children's literature, with particular focus on Jewish mythological traditions and storytelling. As a prolific writer and editor, Schwartz has garnered numerous prestigious accolades including the Koret Jewish Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, and the Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society. His landmark work "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism" (2005) stands as a comprehensive exploration of Jewish mythology, spanning nearly 700 pages. Through his academic career as a professor and his extensive publishing history, Schwartz has established himself as an authority on Jewish folklore and mythological traditions. His contributions to children's literature have earned him recognition from the Jewish Children's Book Project, while his scholarly works have received attention from major publications including The Jerusalem Post. His extensive body of work has been recognized by over forty organizations and literary bodies, cementing his position as a significant figure in Jewish literature and folklore studies. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1945, Schwartz continues to influence the field through his writings and academic work.

Readers appreciate Schwartz's ability to make Jewish folklore and mythology accessible while maintaining scholarly depth. On Amazon and Goodreads, his children's books receive consistent praise for their storytelling approach and educational value. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex mythological concepts - Thorough research and extensive citations - Engaging narrative style in children's books - Value as reference material for Jewish studies What readers disliked: - Dense academic language in scholarly works - Some collections feel repetitive - High prices for hardcover editions - Limited availability of certain titles Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.5/5 average (across major titles) Goodreads: 4.2/5 average Tree of Souls: 4.7/5 (700+ reviews) Children's titles: 4.3-4.6/5 range One reader noted: "Tree of Souls is exhaustive without being exhausting." Another commented: "His children's books preserve the essence of Jewish folklore while making it understandable for young readers."

More Bones: Scary Stories From Around The World A collection of international folktales featuring ghosts, monsters, and supernatural beings, adapted for young readers.

Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism A comprehensive compilation of Jewish mythology containing over 670 traditional Jewish tales organized by theme.

Elijah's Violin & Other Jewish Fairy Tales A collection of Jewish fairy tales from various cultural traditions, featuring magical instruments and supernatural events.

The Day the Rabbi Disappeared: Jewish Holiday Tales of Magic Stories centered around Jewish holidays that incorporate elements of mysticism and magical occurrences.

Next Year in Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Jewish Stories An anthology of Jewish tales spanning three millennia of history and tradition.

Gabriel's Palace: Jewish Mystical Tales A collection focusing on Jewish mystical traditions and Kabbalistic stories from various sources.

Miriam's Tambourine: Jewish Folktales from Around the World An anthology of Jewish folktales collected from diverse global communities.

The Wonder Child & Other Jewish Fairy Tales Traditional Jewish fairy tales featuring magical transformations and heroic journeys.

Gates to the New City: A Treasury of Modern Jewish Tales An anthology of contemporary Jewish stories exploring modern themes and experiences.

Imperial Messages: One Hundred Modern Parables A collection of brief philosophical tales in the tradition of Jewish parables.

Isaac Bashevis Singer combines Jewish folklore with supernatural elements and creates stories rooted in Eastern European Jewish life. His work bridges traditional Jewish storytelling with modern literary techniques, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Elie Wiesel writes extensively about Jewish history and tradition, focusing on Holocaust narratives and Jewish wisdom literature. His work connects personal experience with broader Jewish themes and spiritual questioning.

Sholom Aleichem captures Jewish life in Eastern Europe through stories that blend humor with cultural observations. His tales depict shtetl life and Jewish traditions while exploring universal human experiences.

Martin Buber collected and interpreted Hasidic tales while exploring Jewish mysticism and philosophy. His work presents Jewish spiritual teachings through storytelling and demonstrates the connection between folklore and religious thought.

Chaim Potok writes about Jewish American life and the tensions between tradition and modernity. His novels explore Jewish identity and religious struggles while incorporating elements of Jewish mythology and folklore.