Simon Young, a British historian, is author of The Boggart: A Study in Shadows. His work has appeared in many periodicals including Contemporary Legend, Supernatural Studies, and Folklore.
The Nail in the Skull and Other Victorian Urban Legends will appeal
to anyone interested in this genre due to the rich source of
primary material that merits further research. This scholarly book
of urban legends is well presented and engaging. Young demonstrates
an excellent understanding of Victorian print and oral culture, and
his meticulous research is evident in the detailed notes and
bibliography provided.--B.C. Kennedy "Gramarye"
The seventy legend types included in The Nail in the Skull and
Other Victorian Urban Legends showcase the legends' independent
value as stories situated in the specific space and time of
Victorian Britain, extending the conversation of legends in history
beyond their usefulness as remnants found in modern narratives.
Victorian tales of grisly ghosts might be gnarled branches of
modern legend trees, but to limit them to this role is to ignore
the life that can be found in the words of the dead.--Gwyneth R.
Harris "Journal of Folklore Research Reviews"
Written in an engaging and accessible style, The Nail in the Skull
and Other Victorian Urban Legends covers historical background and
folklore in print during Victorian times and demonstrates an
excellent understanding of narrative patterns. I'm delighted with
the astuteness of the book and appreciative of the exhaustive
research that has produced it. Bravo!--Elizabeth Tucker, author of
Haunted Halls: Ghostlore of American College Campuses
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