Folk-lore of Shakespeare

Thomas Firminger Thiselton-Dyer

This is a comprehensive studies of the folklore aspects of Shakespeare, providing a full-spectrum exposure to the cultural background of Elizabethan society. The Reverend Dyer, who also wrote Folk-lore of Women, delves into the source of innumerable passages in Shakespeare which were mysterious even back in Victorian times. Although usually he manages to clear up the mystery, in few instances he has to admit defeat.This book is vital if you want to really understand Shakespeare's cultural context and times. He covers everything from the supernatural (fairies, witches, mermaids) to the mundane: games, weddings, dance, punishments, proverbs, animal lore. You can read it straight through, but it is also a browser's delight; you never know what bit of the bard lodged in your mind he will shed light on next.

Table of contents

• Preface
• Chapter 1. Fairies
• Chapter 2. Witches
• Chapter 3. Ghosts
• Chapter 4. Demonology And Devil Lore
• Chapter 5. Natural Phenomena
• Chapter 6. Birds
• Chapter 7. Animals
• Chapter 8. Plants
• Chapter 9. Insects And Reptiles
• Chapter 10. Folk Medicine
• Chapter 11. Customs Connected With The Calendar
• Chapter 12. Birth And Baptism
• Chapter 13. Marriage
• Chapter 14. Death And Burial
• Chapter 15. Rings And Precious Stones
• Chapter 16. Sports And Pastimes
• Chapter 17. Dances
• Chapter 18. Punishments
• Chapter 19. Proverbs
• Chapter 20. Human Body
• Chapter 21. Fishes
• Chapter 22. Sundry Superstitions
• Chapter 23. Miscellaneous Customs, Etc