Greenwood Folklore Handbooks
2 total works
Rats! They fought the dogs and killed the cats, says Robert Browning in his beloved poem, The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Few figures are as famous, enigmatic, and influential as the Pied Piper, the notorious catcher of rats and children, whose magical music could enchant anyone and anything to follow him to destruction. Written for high school students and general readers, this book surveys the origin and history of the Pied Piper legend and discusses its significance in literature, art, film, popular culture, and political criticism.
The volume begins by examining the origins of the Pied Piper legend in 13th-century Germany and the transmission of the folktale across the centuries. It then provides numerous examples of the Pied Piper legend, along with a generous selection of texts. The book surveys scholarship on the Pied Piper and discusses the presence of the the figure in contemporary culture around the world, often as a metaphor for political leaders who blindly lead their followers in times of war. An extensive bibliography concludes the volume. A large selection of illustrations demonstrates the pervasive influence of the Pied Piper across cultures. Students will value this book for its illumination of different cultural traditions and its relation of modern film, art, and everyday life to the Pied Piper.
Proverbs offer a concise record of folk wisdom and have appeared in oral tradition, literature, art, and popular culture for centuries. Written by the foremost authority on proverbs, this reference gives high school students, undergraduates, and general readers a concise yet comprehensive overview of proverbs in world culture. The volume begins with definitions and classifications of proverbs, followed by discussions of several notable examples. The book then examines approaches to the study of proverbs and the place of proverbs in literature, politics, popular songs, and everyday life. It closes with a bibliography of print and electronic resources and a glossary. Included are numerous illustrations.
Just about everyone has heard at least one proverb, and most people have heard more. Proverbs offer a concise record of folk wisdom and have appeared in oral tradition, literature, art, and popular culture for centuries. One of the most varied and fascinating types of folklore, proverbs are studied at all levels and are of interest to a wide range of audiences. Written by the foremost authority on proverbs, this reference gives high school students, undergraduates, and general readers a concise yet comprehensive overview of proverbs in world culture.
The volume begins with definitions and classifications of proverbs and a discussion of their origin and dissemination. It then discusses several representative proverbs from around the world. This is followed by a review of scholarship on proverbs. The book next looks at how several proverbs have appeared in political speeches, literature, popular culture, and everyday life. The handbook closes with a bibliography of print and electronic resources and a glossary. Included are numerous photos illustrating the role of proverbs around the world.