American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore

摘要

ABC-CLIO's American Myths, Legends and Tall Tales, reviewed here in its e-book version, is described as a "comprehensive introduction to folklore in the USA [covering] not only Native American mythology and folklore, but also the many traditions that were carried to North America by immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania". "This three-volume encyclopedia", the Introduction continues, "is not meant to be the final word on its numerous topics, but rather to provide beginning and advanced students, as well as interested general readers, with the entry points and pathways they need to pursue further exploration and discovery". The editors define their topic broadly enough to include entries about "popular conspiracy theories, urban legends, and even superheroes".