Dynamics of Folklore

by Barre Toelken

Book Overview

One of the most comprehensive and widely praised introductions to folklore ever written. Toelken's discussion of the history and meaning of folklore is delivered in straightforward language, easily understood definitions, and a wealth of insightful and entertaining examples.

Toelken emphasizes dynamism and variety in the vast array of folk expressions he examines, from "the biology of folklore," to occupational and ethnic lore, food ways,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874212030
• ISBN13: 9780874212037
• Release Date: May 1996
• Publisher: Utah State University Press
• Length: 456 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Curious about folklore? Then read this book!

Unfortunately, I think the somewhat quaint words "folk" and "lore" in "folklore" throw people off and make them dimiss folklore studies as a trivial or insignificant field of scholarship. "Folklore" just doesn't have the imposing sound of similar fields like anthropology and sociology. Admittedly, before reading Toelken's book, if I thought of the word "folk lore" I probably would have pictured my grandfather sitting in a rocking chair telling stories from his childhood. Of course, that is also a part of folklore, but I realize now how much more there is to it. Before reading this book, I didn't have a good understanding of what folklore was. Even now, folklore's not so easy to define. I think the best description of folklore is this: it is what makes our cultures unique, and what makes belonging to whatever social groups we belong to, significant.Jokes, food, songs, religion ... Toelken covers these topics and more in his book, which reads kind of like an introduction to folklore studies. Until I read this book, I probably would've laughed at the suggestion that I myself belong to several folk groups. Now that I better understand the complex social groups that we all belong to, it's left me more curious to discover what makes different folk groups unique. This is not the type of book that you read and think "ok, that was nice" and then never think about it again. This book will open your eyes and make you question the things that you take for granted in everyday life.A must-read!

A true treasure-trove for anyone interested in folklore!

Barre was given a special gift for understanding cultures and in this volume brings together many personal experiences in the real world of real people of varying cultures. He helps us see beyond our own cultural blinders and takes us into the real world of folklore. The many photos add to the first person experiences of which he writes. This is a lesson in life for our multicultural world.