A Dictionary of English Folklore

This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format.

An engrossing guide to English folklore and traditions, with over 1,250 entries. Folklore is connected to virtually every aspect of life, part of the country, age group, and occupation. From the bizarre to the seemingly mundane, it is as much a feature of the modern technological age as of the ancient world.



· Oral and Performance genres-Cheese rolling, Morris dancing, Well-dressingEL


· Superstitions-Charms, Rainbows, WishbonesEL


· Characters-Cinderella, Father Christmas, Robin Hood, Dick WhittingtonEL


· Supernatural Beliefs-Devil's hoofprints, Fairy rings, Frog showersEL


· Calendar Customs-April Fool's Day, Helston Furry Day, Valentine's DayEL

Jacqueline Simpson,Steve Roud

Dr Jacqueline Simpson was president of the Folklore Society from 1993 to 1996, editor of Folklore from 1979 to 1993, and is currently Honorary Secretary of the Folklore Society. Her publications include Folklore of Sussex, Folklore of the Welsh Borders, and Scandinavian Folktales.

Steve Roud is Local Studies Librarian for Croydon and was Honorary Librarian of the Folklore Society for over 15 years. He is the author of Mumming Plays in Oxfordshire and has compiled the Index to the Journal Folklore 1968-1992.