The Folklore of Cornwall

Reviews / Votes

In making available and drawing our attention to folklore which has too often been left unnoted and unanalyzed, this volume is a gift to Cornish studies, an easy-to-read, scholarly work, which provides historic and theoretic perspective along with its valuable body of cultural information. -- Elissa R. Henken * Journal of Folklore Research * In short, we have here a truly grown-up and up-to-date study, supported by a preface from the pen of Philip Payton of Flinders University. As an appendix we have a much-needed type-index for Cornish narrative, bringing together references to tales from many parts of north-west Europe. As James points out, the list can and should be augmented by additional research. Take for instance ML 6055, 'Fairy Cows', where much remains to be discovered about the relationship between Hunt's variant and the much longer one provided by Bottrell, let alone about the place in the system of congeners from farther afield. There are copious and detailed notes, and a wide-ranging bibliography that will be welcomed not least by students wedded to a comparative approach. ...The study of Cornish folklore has well and truly entered the twenty-first century. -- J. B. Smith * Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries * The author brings an unrivalled level of scholarship to the subject and shares this with the reader in plain, easily understood language. He provides a clear introduction to the science that helps us understand folklore. We quickly learn how to differentiate between myths, legends, memorates, and the importance of understanding 'folkways' as a window into the world of our predecessors. -- Merv Davey * Old Cornwall * Endorsements:

'Our first real book on Cornish folklore since 1890 ... and, my goodness, it has been worth the wait. You can count the great names in Cornish folklore studies on the fingers of one hand: Bottrell, Courtney, Hunt, Tregarthen ... and now, a century after Tregarthen put down her pen, Ron James. He has confirmed his membership of the club with this remarkable new work. The Folklore of Cornwall will prove an inspiration not only for Cornish scholars, but for folklorists more generally.'

Simon Young, University of Virginia (Siena, CET)

'Professor James is extraordinarily well-versed in European folklore, having a seemingly exhaustive array of legends to draw upon for his comparative analysis. His explication of folktale origins is convincing as well as interesting, and his explication of their meanings as a way of explaining pre-modern beliefs is especially intriguing.'

Kevin J. Gardner, Professor and Chair, Department of English, Baylor University, USA




'His detailed research in the United States, for example, reveals how emigrant Cornish men and women took their folklore to the mining frontier of the American West, adapting it to local conditions (as in the 'tommyknockers'), yet further evidence of the tradition's continuing vitality and relevance.

'Cornish folklore has been literally global in its impact and extent, and in this important book Ronald M. James encourages us to look at this fascinating subject in new and innovative ways. It is sure be the standard volume for many years to come.'

Philip Payton, Professor of History, Flinders University, Australia




'Exploring a wealth of interesting and enjoyable tales, James sets the rich folklore of Cornwall - from the indigenous piskie to the emigrant tommyknocker - within a much wider historic and geographic context. This book is both highly informative and a real pleasure to read.'

Dr Ceri Houlbrook, Researcher in the History Group, University of Hertfordshire An important reference book -- William Orchard * Folklore * Beautifully written... While being a work of deep scholarship, this book is very accessible and eminently readable. -- Linda-May Ballard * Folk Life: Journal of Ethnological Studies * What joy! ...It is a treat to have West Country tales, legends, and traditions comprehensively covered, and be shown distinctive ways in which folklore can be contextualised, made relevant and retold. -- Helen Cornish, Fortean Times