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Mother Wit from the Laughing Barrel: Readings in the Interpretation of Afro-American Folklore (Critical Studies on Black Life and Culture)

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"Mother wit" is a slang term in African-American folklore. It refers to the ability to use common sense in daily life. This book is an excellent collection of essays and articles that shows how folklore is related to the idea of mother wit. Dundes looks at stories, jokes, toasts, proverbs, song lyrics, riddles, and numerous folklore genres to analyze important issues in black history and culture. The "laughing barrel" refers to the ability to laugh surreptitiously at absurd, challenging situations. In this book's title and contents, Dundes' combines mother wit with the laughing barrel to provide insights into important themes in African-American folklore.

I use this book in my teaching of the African American cultural roots, heritage and legacy of Jazz. All schools should use it.