An American author and radio host who collected and retold folktales and myths from around the world, sharing them with a wide audience through her books and broadcasts.
Diane Wolkstein, a renowned folklorist and author of children's books, is best known for her remarkable contributions as New York City's official storyteller from 1967 to 1971. During her tenure, she captivated audiences with her enchanting storytelling events, visiting two city parks every weekday and mesmerizing children with her unique talent.
Born on November 11, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, Wolkstein grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her parents, Henry and Ruth, instilled in her a love for literature and education. She pursued a bachelor's degree from Smith College and a master's degree in education from Bank Street College of Education.
In 1967, Wolkstein successfully convinced the City of New York to appoint her as its official storyteller, a position that allowed her to share her passion for storytelling with the city's children. During her four-year tenure, she organized hundreds of storytelling events in parks across the city, winning the hearts of her young audiences.
Wolkstein's success as a storyteller led to her own radio show, "Stories From Many Lands," on WNYC, which aired from 1968 to 1980. She also co-founded the Storytelling Center of New York City, a hub for storytellers and enthusiasts to share and learn from each other.
Wolkstein wrote over two dozen books, primarily collections of folk tales and legends gathered during her extensive research trips to China, Haiti, and Africa. Her collaborative work with Assyriologist Samuel Noah Kramer, "Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth," introduced readers to the fascinating story of the Sumerian goddess of fertility, love, and war.
The Library of Congress houses an archive of Wolkstein's photographs, performance events, productions, interviews, and other materials, ensuring that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of storytellers and scholars.
Wolkstein's personal life was marked by her love for education and the arts. She pursued her passion for mime under the tutelage of Étienne Decroux in Paris. She had a daughter, Rachel Zucker, and later spent time in Taiwan researching a book of Chinese folk stories. Tragically, Wolkstein passed away on January 31, 2013, at the age of 70, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where she was undergoing treatment for a heart condition.
Diane Wolkstein's remarkable journey as a storyteller, author, and educator has left an indelible mark on the world of folklore and children's literature. Her passion for sharing stories and promoting cultural understanding continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Born in 1904
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