Folklore of Dorset explores the rich heritage of the county's traditions, seasonal customs and songs. Included are saints' lore and smugglers, wife sales, wrecking, witchcraft, wise men and West Gallery Music, hill figures, hempseed divination and holy wells, mummers' plays, May garlands and maypoles, Oosers and Oak Apple Day, bonfires and Beating the Bounds. The sources used include the poems and non-fiction of William Barnes, Thomas Hardy, the historian of Dorset John Hutchins, the Victorian and early twentieth-century folklorist John Udal and the Hammmond Brothers' collection of Dorset folksongs. The authors critically engage with the extent to which Hardy and Barnes can be regarded as primary sources for Dorset folklore. There is also considerable original research and use of oral material. Nearly 100 fascinating photographs illustrate the text and there is an appendix of a full mummers' play.

About the Author

Fran Doel, MA and Dr Geoff Doel have thirty years' experience of researching and lecturing on folklore for the universities of Kent & Sussex, Birkbeck and Goldsmiths Colleges and the City Lit. Geoff has a PhD on Thomas Hardy and they have published ten previous books including Folklore of Kent and A Dorset Christmas.

Book Information
ISBN 9780752439891
Author Fran Doel
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 350g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 156mm * 10mm