Roman Legends: A Collection of the Fables and Folk-Lore of Rome by R. H. Busk
$100.00
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.
