The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren

by Iona Opie and Peter Opie

Book Overview

In 1959, Iona and Peter Opie published the first of their major studies of the games and customs of children. The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren, the first book to uncover and thoroughly explore... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198811217
• ISBN13: 9780198811213
• Release Date: January 1967
• Publisher: Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1967
• Length: 438 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Anthropology of a world like ours (but not quite)

Collected in the 50s, the Opies' LORE AND LANGUAGE OF SCHOOLCHILDREN is a compelling compendium of a world very similar to that of the 21st century but not quite. Americans will be particularly fascinated by the slight differences in customs and games among children across the Atlantic, as the Opies catalogue nicknames, rhymes, games, tricks, and half-believed superstitions and spells. fascinating reading.

Rhymes and reasons

Most of the material for this book was gathered fifty years ago in British schools, but I'm sure readers in all countries, for all time, will find it amusing and revealing. When I'd finished it, I felt I had a greater insight into children's minds and concerns, which they express, of course, in the games they play and the rhymes they say. I felt at the same time great respect for children. For unasked and unobserved, they have been keeping our traditions alive for us. Many of their dictums and ditties have changed little for hundreds of years. It seems that all the Barbies and Action Men and other expensive toys can't distract them from this valuable and enjoyable task of conservation.