Encyclopedia of Urban Legends [Paperback]

Jan Harold Brunvand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2002

The definitive word on the subject from the dean of urban legend studies.

We all know those stories that are too bizarre to be true—roasted babies, vanishing hitchhikers, scuba divers in trees—but have you heard about the ice man or the bullet baby? This comprehensive and compellingly readable reference work will answer all your urban legend questions, offering alphabetical entries on every aspect of the subject, including descriptions of hundreds of individual legends and their variations, legend themes, and scholarly approaches to the genre. Other entries discuss the relationship of urban legends to literature, film, comic books, music, and many other areas of popular culture. A Booklist Editors' Choice 2001 Reference Book. "Unlike most encyclopedias, this one may be read cover to cover."—Choice "Compiled by the foremost authority on this form of contemporary folklore....Superb."—Library Journal 60 black and white illustrations

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up-A definitive and entertaining look at widely recognized tales told primarily in the U.S. In his preface and introduction, Brunvand explains the topic's provenance from a scholarly perspective, making this an ideal resource for a creative school report. Readers will learn about the "The Hook," "The Baby-sitter and the Man Upstairs," and other modern urban legends that they may have missed hearing or reading on the Internet ("The Madalyn Murray O'Hair Petition"). The entries are mostly arranged alphabetically by title; some are found under their subject or geographical location of origin. Many have useful cross-references. In a few paragraphs, each story is related and placed in proper historical context. The author recognizes the role of such legends in popular culture and how they change over time and telling. Articles on broad themes (e.g., "Military Legends," "Animals in Urban Legends") are featured throughout. Occasional black-and-white cartoon drawings illustrate the book. A fascinating and trustworthy purchase.
Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Did you hear that Indiana University's library in Bloomington is sinking? This story which regularly evokes needless concern among university alumni is only one of thousands of urban legends that circulate in popular culture and especially on the Internet. Compiled by the foremost authority on this form of contemporary folklore, this unique encylopedia includes hundreds of such stories from published sources and oral tradition. Brunvand claims that only urban legends told in the United States are "covered comprehensively," but he does include four European versions in their original language. Each entry contains source citations (excluding popular and undocumented sources), but the selected bibliography covers a range of both scholarly and popular works. Alphabetically arranged, the entries cover individual legends ("Hairy-Armed Hitchhiker," "Procter and Gamble Trademark," etc.) and legend themes (babies, technical incompetence, etc.). Unfortunately, an inadequate index detracts from an otherwise superb reference work. Delightful for browsing by general readers, this work is also a fine source for folklore students and researchers. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries Donald Altschiller, Boston Univ. Libs.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; First Edition edition (November 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393323587
• ISBN-13: 978-0393323580
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1.3 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Urban Legends

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reference December 12, 2002

By S. Ferdinand

Format:Paperback

If you're interested in urban legends from a folklore standpoint, a research standpoint, or just a fan then you will appreciate this book. It is the most complete reference I have seen. Details of stories, their comparison with other stories, common stories from other parts of the world, and clear explanations. Brunvand has a knack for making it all understandable and avoids being dry and lecturing. For the stories themselves you would want to see his many other collections; for research and reference you can not do without this book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Insightful & Informative March 6, 2004

By M. Bertha

Format:Paperback

I decided to pick up this book because I have always had a mild interest in urban legends. This book is well organized from A-Z. It contains several hundred urban legends within the pages. I was quite surprised about how several different urban legends blend together.

The author dictates when the legend started and where it began. If you have any interest in urban legends then I would recommend this book. I was suprised at how many urban legends are documented and told.

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A winning legand's book July 18, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Library Binding

If you are thinking for a urban legends book,this is the one you want. Has all the legands you can think of in it. From famuos ones to ones you have never heard of.