The Folklore of Cornwall: The Oral Tradition of a Celtic Nation

This book explores the rich folklore of Cornwall, often overlooked in international studies, and demonstrates its distinct oral tradition and unique storytelling style. It offers an introduction to folklore for beginners and a fresh perspective on Cornish studies for advanced scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: University of Exeter Press

By examining the folklore of Cornwall within the broader context of Northern Europe, this book sheds light on a wealth of often overlooked traditions. While folklore studies have traditionally focused on Celtic material, scholars have tended to overlook the rich collections found in Cornwall. The Folklore of Cornwall fills this gap, elevating neglected stories to the same level as those from other regions with deep Celtic linguistic roots. This book showcases that Cornwall possesses a distinct body of oral tradition, even when examining legends and folktales that are also found elsewhere. The unique way in which Cornish droll tellers crafted this distinctive pattern is truly remarkable, and with the publication of this book, folklorists now have a valuable resource to explore beyond the River Tamar for insights. A highly readable and accessible text, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the field of folklore studies for novice readers while also offering a fresh perspective on Cornish studies for advanced scholars. The comparative analysis coupled with an innovative methodology sets this work apart from other treatments of the subject.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804130735