However diverse our origins, our histories can always be explored through the tales we tell. Stories are our worldwide language, making sense of our experiences and conveying them to others. They are the messengers between our inner and outer worlds - the bridge between individuals and societies.

Within these pages you will see how these traditional story forms have developed over time, evolving with and, in turn, shaping cultural change. Journeying across five continents, you will also travel through time with our earliest creation myths, folk tales, legends and urban myths as your steadfast companions. Some have been polished by countless voices for thousands of years, and all have passed from ear to ear and page to page in a testament to the richness of many cultures, and a single, shared humanity.