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HU professors, students compile American folklore

Photo provided.

Huntington University’s Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, professor of American history and department chair of history and political science, has published a three-volume reference work, “American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore.”

The project also includes the work of three other Huntington University faculty and three recent graduates.

Dr. Todd Martin, professor of English, Dr. John Noble, assistant professor of Bible and religion, and Dr. Linda Urschel, professor of English, contributed articles, while 2016 HU graduates Andrew Wickersham, Jaime Hillegonds and Bronwen Fetters served as assistant editors.

“The encyclopedia is the work of more than 150 scholars from around the world, including several of my faculty colleagues at Huntington University,” Webb explains. “My role as general editor allowed me to bring several HU students into the project and give them experience in professional editing and publishing.”

“American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore” is a survey of the history of tall tales, folklore and mythology in the United States from earliest times to the present, including stories and myths from the modern era that have become an essential part of contemporary popular culture.

In modern times, folklore and tall tales experienced a rejuvenation with the emergence of urban legends and the growing popularity of science fiction and conspiracy theories, with mass media such as comic books, television and films contributing to the retelling of old myths.

The encyclopedia’s entries provide a glimpse into the collective American imagination over the past 400 years through the stories that have shaped it.

“American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore” can be ordered online through Amazon.com.