FOLKLORE IN AMERICA

The present anthology is drawn from the Journal of American Folklore and includes tales, songs, superstitions, proverbs, riddles, games, folk drama and folk festivals. Each category is arranged to illustrate the stages of development of folklore in America, from the Old World heritage of the immigrant through the alembic of the New World, popular lore and the literary tradition to the emergence of indigenous regional and occupational lore. American Indian love songs, post World War II rhymes from Hawaii, a mummer's play from the Kentucky Mountains and a Christmas mask in Boston form a part of the lore. It is good luck to dream of silver money, bad to count the stars. As to counting readers, they will be found among the generally inquisitive and the specifically interested.