Author Description

"This is a comprehensive encyclopedic dicitonary [sic] of American folklore, with more than 750 entries and 228 black-and-white line drawings and photographs. Entries range from brief definitions to full-blown essays, complete with lists of suggested readings, on such topics as folklore heroies (including real-life characters such as Johnny Appleseed, Daniel Boone, and Davy Crockett as well as mythical ones, such as Paul Bunyan and Brer Rabbit); singers and their music (Joan Baez, The Blues, "Clementine", Jazz, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter); folklore of different regions, groups, and professions (Appalachian Folklore, College Folklore, Lumberjack Folklore, Military Folklore, Urban Legends, Weather Folklore), and much, much more. From the Alamo, Alien Abductions, the American Folklore Society, and the Autoharp to Lawyer Jokes, the Line Dance, Vachel Lindsay, and "Lizzie Borden", to Mark Twain, Uncle Remus, Vampire, and Yiddishisms, it's all here--in a single, authoritative, highly readable reference." - back cover