Oxford World's Classics: Uncle Remus

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Bearing a striking resemblance to Aesop, American author Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus is a former slave who tells simple, pithy stories. Published in late 1880, the book received instant acclaim, reviewed in hundreds of journals and newspapers, leading to immense critical and financial success. “Remus” originated as a fictional character in a newspaper column by Harris, a journalist with the Atlanta Constitution. Initially, Remus discussed social issues but soon began recounting plantation folktales Harris had compiled from the slaves of Turnworld Plantation, where he spent time as a teenager. A poor, illegitimate Irish immigrant, Harris found more common ground with the slaves than with his social equals, immersing himself in their lifestyle and folklore. Uncle Remus is famous for its beloved character, Br'er Rabbit, a clever and mischievous figure who has entertained generations of children. The original stories were rendered in authentic Southern Georgia slave dialect, later adapted for better understanding. While early critics noted the stories' apparent racism and passive acceptance of slavery, modern versions have addressed these concerns, making Uncle Remus a source of education and entertainment for children and parents alike. The original 29 books have been compiled into nine series, with 185 stories in total, making it an essential part of children's literature, appealing to readers of all ages.