The result of the author's field studies over two years in a school playground, this book records conversations and events, illustrating the games and jokes beloved by children. The book shows how school-lore evolves and is transmitted. Much human behaviour is recorded here - the differences in attitudes between the sexes; the boys' devotion to fighting and football, and their innate kindness; the art of story-telling; the friendships and enmities; the interest in sex; the diversity of characters; and the hilarity which creates entertainment out of trivialities. Gaining insight into the world of the child, the reader recognizes jokes of previous generations - at once a revelation and a reassurance of continuity. This account is intended for parents, teachers, folklorists, psychiatrists, sociologists and anthropologists.

Book Information
ISBN 9780198112655
Author Iona Opie
Format Hardback
Page Count 249
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press