Roman Legends

Busk, R. H.

Publication Date: 1877

About this Item

Roman Legends: A Collection of the Fables and Folk-Lore of Rome by R. H. Busk, published in 1877. A charming and important nineteenth-century collection preserving the folk traditions and popular tales of Rome and the surrounding regions, capturing a rich tapestry of myth, legend, superstition, and moral storytelling. Drawing on interviews and field inquiries, Busk sought to document oral traditions often dismissed as mere children s tales, demonstrating instead their cultural depth and historical continuity. The stories encompass a wide range of themes including transformation, the supernatural, moral instruction, and encounters with magical beings and are broadly grouped into fables, ghost stories, fairy tales, and anecdotal narratives. Busk s thoughtful preface reflects on the challenges of collecting folklore and his aim to counter the notion that modern Italy lacked a living mythological tradition. An appealing and early English-language contribution to the study of Italian folklore. Hardcover in the original embossed and gilt-decorated boards, a very attractive binding showing only the very lightest shelfwear.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1771207544840

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Roman Legends
• Publication Date: 1877
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good