Encyclopedia of Urban Legends (Paperback)

by Jan Harold Brunvand (Author) "College and university campuses, despite being centers of research, learning, and sophistication, are also fertile grounds for the growth of legends and other folklore..." (more)
Key Phrases: older traditional legends, turban legends, international urban legends, Baby Train, Mexican Pet, The Vanishing Hitchhiker (more...)

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393323587
• ISBN-13: 978-0393323580
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #288,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Morgan Ferdinand "Nine" (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	M. Bertha "mike07023" (Fanwood, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Urban Legends (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.