The Caribbean is a world of great historical and cultural importance. It has produced numerous literary, artistic, and musical works and has significantly influenced life in the United States. Folklore is central to Caribbean culture. It draws upon the oral traditions and experiences of the Caribbean people and colors their daily life and creative endeavors. At a time when the Caribbean is gaining increasing importance to the curriculum, this book provides a concise but thorough overview of the folklore of that region. Written for students and general readers, this volume offers a broad survey of Caribbean folklore. It begins by classifying and defining the area's many types of folklore. It then provides numerous examples and texts and looks at related scholarship and criticism. In addition, it comments on the role of folklore in literature and contemporary Caribbean culture. The book closes with a glossary and a bibliography of print and electronic resources suitable for student research.