Encyclopedia of Women's Folklore and Folklife

A pioneering collection devoted specifically to the folkways of women, this two-volume set succeeds in amassing the work of academics, folklorists, and others to create a better understanding of the culture of women in North America and throughout the world. . . . Bottom Line: Each article is well researched and well documented, with bibliographic references that add to the work's value. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. * Library Journal *
This title successfully accomplishes its goal, given its specific scope. However, it should not be viewed as the sole resource for information on women and folklore. Rather, it will be a good supplement for a broad folklore or women's studies collection. * Choice *
This two-volume encyclopedia of folklore and women is a blend of folktales told by women, tales told about them and also subjects that are associated with women. Locke (expository writing, Oklahoma University), Vaughan (humanities and philosophy, University of Central Oklahoma) and Greenhill (women's and gender studies, University of Winnipeg) preface the entries with essays that explain the rationale behind the choices. Many of them take gender-neutral subjects, such as cyber-culture, and discuss it in terms of women's participation and preconceptions about it. Others look at occupations traditionally associated with women, such as knitting or cooking, exploring how they can be both transmitters and subjects of folklore. Others deal with women as the subject of folklore. The book covers societies all over the world and through history, with an emphasis on the twentieth century. * Reference & Research Book News *
Researchers can access information through the detailed index or through the 'Guide to Related Topics' located in the front of each volume. The editors acknowledge that coverage is by no means comprehensive, and they admit to an emphasis on experiences common to women residing in North America. They also admit to an 'unabashedly feminist' tone, which they feel enriches and informs their research. This unique resource is recommended to large public and academic collections, especially those that support folklore or women's studies programs. Also available as an e-book. * Booklist *
In the field of folklore, this feminist encyclopedia will stand as a major accomplishment and a tool that encourages more research and challenges more women to continue their fieldwork in women's folklore and folklife. * Feminist Collections *
[T]his impressive, two-volume encyclopedia makes a historic contribution to folklore studies, cultural anthropology, as well as women's and gender studies. . . . The encyclopedia brings together the many perspectives and contributions of scholars who have documented and theorized about folklore by women and folklore about women, and developed insightful feminist analyses of folklore. . . . The encyclopedia represents many years of dedicated work; it is expansive and insightful, addressing earlier scholarship and pointing to new directions. . . . The 'unabashedly feminist' (p. xix) tone of the work is refreshing and certainly needed in the field of folklore studies. . . . The encyclopedia's extensive chronicle of the contributions of women and feminists to folklore and folklife provides a welcome contribution to that ongoing discussion. * Journal of American Folklore *