University of Exeter Press
The History of Cornish Tradition
A Folkloric Journey
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Cornish folklore is a vibrant tapestry, ever-changing yet deeply rooted in the past. The History of Cornish Tradition: A Folkloric Journey examines the rich tradition of the West Country, providing a definitive historical analysis of how the region’s legends, language, and customs have transformed over the last four centuries. This essential volume traces the evolution of Cornwall’s most famous stories, including Ann Jefferies and her fairies, the shifting identity of pixies/piskies from local spirits to international good-luck charms, enduring legends of King Arthur, the mystique of the lost land of Lyonesse, the birth of a sea serpent, and the escapades of the monstrous bogeyman Tregeagle.
The new approach offered by this book is its blending of history and folklore through a close examination of how Cornish tradition has manifested and changed over time. It also explores the geographical spread of tales, looking outward from Cornwall to the wider Atlantic fringe— including Brittany, Wales, and Ireland—to gauge the progress of history. The History of Cornish Tradition is intended for both historians and folklorists while still being entirely accessible to the general reader.
Ron James needs little introduction as a scholar of Cornish folklore – both in Kernow, and how it threads (and has been informed by) folk stories overseas. His new book is both fascinating, and timely - there is a growing community and scholarly interest in the topic and mirroring this. Professor James’ new publication explores themes about how folklore connects to land and place. If you have read his books before, you will enjoy reading this additional material. If you are new to these works – then you are in for a treat.
Dr Joanie Willett, Co-Director, Institute of Cornish Studies
This book illuminates the fantastical and the factual in Cornish folklore with a wide range of examples from fairies to festivals and from Arthur to Morgawr. Cornish traditions are carefully set in context, with many unexpected insights and connections on the way. This is a welcome addition to the corpus of Cornish Studies and one that will enhance Ronald James’ growing reputation as a scholar of Cornish folklore.
Bernard Deacon, Cornish Studies commentator and historian
Ronald M. James is our leading authority on Cornish folklore. In this new book, he moves beyond the usual emphasis on the tales of West Cornwall to take a historical view of Cornwall as a whole. It is an exhilarating journey, and on the way we encounter the enigmatic Ann Jeffries and her fairies, traces of King Arthur, the lost land of Lyonesse, the wicked Tregeagle, and much more. All this is underpinned with a scholarly rigour and an unrivalled knowledge of the sources, as well as a deep understanding of the Cornish context. We owe Ronald M. James hearfelt thanks and many congratulations for a significant contribution to Cornish literature.
Professor Philip Payton, author of Cornwall: A History
Introduction: folklore across time and space
1. Folklore preserved in the Cornish language
2. Ann Jefferies and her fairies
3. Pixies begin a journey
4. The legends of Bray and Tregarthen
5. Pixies on the other side of the Tamar
6. A history of pixies
7. Sunken cities of the Atlantic fringe
8. Ships in the clouds
9. King Arthur
10. ‘To roar like Tregeagle’
11. Sea serpents and the folkloresque
12. Festivals, events, and the invention of tradition
Conclusion
Appendix: Type Index for Cornish Narrative
- 260 Pages