Meaning of Folklore: The Analytical Essays of Alan Dundes

Alan Dundes' essays established folklore as an American academic discipline, but many went out of print. This volume, compiled and edited by Simon Bronner, surveys Dundes' major ideas and contributions, introducing his long career and interpretations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 460 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2020
Publisher: University Press of Colorado

Alan Dundes' essays played a pivotal role in establishing folklore as a significant academic discipline within the United States. However, despite their initial publication in remote journals, many of these works experienced a swift decline in availability. Now, for the first time, this collection, meticulously compiled and edited by Simon Bronner, brings together a comprehensive survey of Dundes' major ideas and focal points. Bronner provides an insightful analysis of Dundes' extensive career, his interpretations, and his invaluable contributions to the field of folklore studies, serving as an introduction to the selection.

Dundes' essays encompassed a wide range of subjects, including the folklore of various cultures, the role of myth and legend in society, and the significance of storytelling. His work often explored the intersection of folklore and other disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Through his writings, Dundes sought to shed light on the cultural and social significance of folklore and to challenge traditional notions of what it meant to be "folk."

One of Dundes' most notable contributions to folklore studies was his emphasis on the importance of fieldwork and ethnography. He believed that firsthand observation and interaction with communities were essential for understanding the nuances and complexities of folklore. Dundes conducted extensive fieldwork in various parts of the world, collecting stories, observing rituals, and interviewing individuals. His research not only contributed to his own understanding of folklore but also helped to shape the field as a whole.

In addition to his academic work, Dundes was also a prolific writer and lecturer. He published numerous books, including "The Folklore of Modernity" and "The Interpretation of Folklore." His lectures were widely attended and influential, and he played a key role in popularizing folklore studies among a broader audience.

Despite his many achievements, Dundes faced challenges throughout his career. He was criticized by some traditionalists who viewed folklore as a relic of the past, and he struggled to gain recognition and respect within the academic community. However, his dedication to his field and his commitment to promoting the study of folklore ultimately paid off.

In conclusion, Alan Dundes' essays played a crucial role in shaping the field of folklore as an academic discipline. His emphasis on fieldwork, ethnography, and the cultural and social significance of folklore set him apart from his contemporaries. His work continues to inspire and influence scholars and enthusiasts alike, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Alan Dundes' essays played a pivotal role in establishing folklore as a significant academic discipline within the United States. However, despite their initial publication in remote journals, many of these works experienced a swift decline in availability. Now, for the first time, this collection, meticulously compiled and edited by Simon Bronner, brings together a comprehensive survey of Dundes' major ideas and focal points. Bronner provides an insightful analysis of Dundes' extensive career, his interpretations, and his invaluable contributions to the field of folklore studies, serving as an introduction to the selection.

Dundes' essays encompassed a wide range of subjects, including the folklore of various cultures, the role of myth and legend in society, and the significance of storytelling. His work often explored the intersection of folklore and other disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Through his writings, Dundes sought to shed light on the cultural and social significance of folklore and to challenge traditional notions of what it meant to be "folk."

One of Dundes' most notable contributions to folklore studies was his emphasis on the importance of fieldwork and ethnography. He believed that firsthand observation and interaction with communities were essential for understanding the nuances and complexities of folklore. Dundes conducted extensive fieldwork in various parts of the world, collecting stories, observing rituals, and interviewing individuals. His research not only contributed to his own understanding of folklore but also helped to shape the field as a whole.

In addition to his academic work, Dundes was also a prolific writer and lecturer. He published numerous books, including "The Folklore of Modernity" and "The Interpretation of Folklore." His lectures were widely attended and influential, and he played a key role in popularizing folklore studies among a broader audience.

Despite his many achievements, Dundes faced challenges throughout his career. He was criticized by some traditionalists who viewed folklore as a relic of the past, and he struggled to gain recognition and respect within the academic community. However, his dedication to his field and his commitment to promoting the study of folklore ultimately paid off.

In conclusion, Alan Dundes' essays played a crucial role in shaping the field of folklore as an academic discipline. His emphasis on fieldwork, ethnography, and the cultural and social significance of folklore set him apart from his contemporaries. His work continues to inspire and influence scholars and enthusiasts alike, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 156 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646420698