Andrew Lang

Cock Lane and Common-Sense (eBook, ePUB)

Unveiling the Victorian Obsession with Supernatural Beliefs

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "Cock Lane and Common-Sense," Andrew Lang delivers a witty and incisive critique of the superstitions and popular beliefs that permeated Victorian society. Through a blend of folklore, history, and rational inquiry, Lang dissects the infamous Cock Lane ghost hoax, providing insight into the era's fascination with the paranormal. His meticulous scholarly style, imbued with a sharp sense of humor, serves to illuminate the broader implications of credulity in society, asserting the necessity of skepticism in the face of seemingly inexplicable phenomena. This work is a testament to Lang's commitment to unveiling the interplay between reason and belief in a tumultuous period of social change. Andrew Lang, a prominent figure in the late 19th century, was not only a writer but also a folklorist and anthropologist. His diverse interests and academic background informed his exploration of ghost stories and superstitions, reflecting the tensions between rationalism and romanticism of his time. Lang'Äôs keen intellect, coupled with his extensive collection of folk tales and mythology, positioned him uniquely to delve into the complexities of human belief and the consequences of unchecked credulity. Readers seeking a thought-provoking examination of belief systems will find Lang's work both enlightening and engaging. "Cock Lane and Common-Sense" transcends its specific historical context, offering timeless insights into the clash between reason and superstition. It invites readers to consider the nature of belief and the importance of skepticism in a world perpetually rife with mystery.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 310
• Erscheinungstermin: 4. Dezember 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664586773
• Artikelnr.: 58717114

Autorenporträt

Andrew Lang (1844 - 1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The Andrew Lang lectures at the University of St Andrews are named after him. Lang is now chiefly known for his publications on folklore, mythology and religion. The interest in folklore was from early life; he read John Ferguson McLennan before coming to Oxford, and then was influenced by E. B. Tylor. The earliest of his publications is Custom and Myth (1884). In Myth, Ritual and Religion (1887) he explained the "irrational" elements of mythology as survivals from more primitive forms. Lang's Making of Religion was heavily influenced by the 18th century idea of the "noble savage": in it, he maintained the existence of high spiritual ideas among so-called "savage" races, drawing parallels with the contemporary interest in occult phenomena in England. His Blue Fairy Book (1889) was a beautifully produced and illustrated edition of fairy tales that has become a classic. This was followed by many other collections of fairy tales, collectively known as Andrew Lang's Fairy Books. In the preface of the Lilac Fairy Book he credits his wife with translating and transcribing most of the stories in the collections. Lang examined the origins of totemism in Social Origins (1903).

Inhaltsangabe

Preface
Introduction
1. Savage spiritualism
2. Ancient spiritualism
3. Comparative psychical research
4. Haunted houses
5. Cock lane and common-sense
6. Apparitions, ghosts, and hallucinations
7. Scrying or crystal-gazing
8. The second sight
9. Ghosts before the law
10. A modern trial for witchcraft
11. Presbyterian ghost hunters
12. The logic of table-turning
13. The ghost theory of the origin of religion.