Medieval Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, and Customs [2 volumes]

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This two-volume set is an A-to-Z guide to the mundane and supernatural lore of the Middle Ages. Articles focus on the great myths and legends of the age, daily and nightly, customs and activities, religious beliefs of pagan, Christian, Muslim, and Jew, key works of oral and written literature, traditional music and art, holidays and feasts, food and drink, plants and animals (real and mythical). The volumes contain surveys, written by leading experts, of the major medieval traditions, including: Arabic-Islamic, Baltic, English, Finno-Ugric, French, Hispanic, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Scandinavian, Slavic and Welsh.

Reviews

"Recommended as a model topical encyclopedia for all levels, beginning folklorist or medievalist to expert." - Choice "This is the first work that treats medieval folklore exclusively rather than an adjunct to another topic, and it is an excellent source for both amateurs and more serious scholars." - Library Journal "A one-of-a-kind resource." - School Library Journal "The work under consideration appears to be the only one readily available and accessible to the average reader. It is recommended for libraries serving beginning and moderately advanced students of the folklore of the Middle Ages in Europe." - Booklist, Starred Review "The work is for any audience, from those new to medieval folklore to specialists in the subject... The entries are clearly written and thoroughly researched, not only providing information but also sparking further interest in the subject... It is unique in its specific focus on medieval folklore and is well worth the price for most libraries." - VOYA "School libraries serving upper grades and public and academic libraries will welcome this unique and important work. Highly recommended." - The Book Report "This outstanding, two volume, A-Z guide to the folk and supernatural lore of the Middle Ages is a 'must' reference for any college-level library where folkloric or history studies is a central part of the curriculum." - The Bookwatch "Will enhance any library's folklore collection... Highly recommended for the reference collections of public and academic libraries." - American Reference Books Annual "This encyclopedia is an impressive and fascinating compilation of the cultural traditions of the medieval world of considerable interest to medievalists and nonmedievalists alike... An essential reference tool for all students of folklore, literature, and history." - The Medieval Review "It will appeal to both general and scholarly audiences seeking background and explanations of this important aspect of medieval life... Some 306 entries cover a rich variety of topics including burial mounds, courtly love, dreams and dream poetry, festivals, games and play, oral theory, punishments, and styles of food preparation... Medieval Folklore ... is a fascinating and well done reference that will find a home in many academic and public libraries." - Against the Grain

Author Bio

Carl Lindahl is professor of English at the University of Houston, Houston, TX. John McNamara is professor of English at the University of Houston, Houston, TX. John Lindow is professor of Scandinavian studies at the University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.