Folktales of England (Folktales of the World)

By: Richard M. Dorson

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Synopsis: &“The most satisfactory general collection of folktales to come out of England since the advent of modern collection and classification techniques.&”—Journal of American Folklore Tales of unnatural beings, curses, and ghosts, tall tales, shaggy dog stories—this collection from a renowned British folklorist offers a wide historical range, as well as commentaries. If wonder tales are not as abundant in England as elsewhere, other kinds of folktales thrive: local traditions, historical legends, humorous anecdotes. Many of the favorite tales which English-speaking peoples carry with them from childhood come from a long tradition—stories as familiar to Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Spenser, and their many contemporaries as they are to us. This volume is a &“fine, homely feast&” for anyone interested in the folklore of the world (Times Educational Supplement). &“Should be of special concern to Americans since many of the tales are parallel to or the source of our own folk stories.&”—Choice &“This is entertainment, to be sure, but is also part of man&’s attempts to comprehend his world.&”—Quartet