Hungarian Ethnography and Folklore

A thorough guide to the customs, history and manners of the Hungarians

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First English language edition. Large hardback in dustwrapper. 27 × 20.5cm, 819pp.

This book by two outstanding ethnologists offers a comprehensive view of the manifold riches of Hungarian ethnography and folklore. After touching on the origins of the Hungarians, it introduces the various ethnic groups and discusses the history and present state of ethnography in Hungary. The book describes at length the structure of Hungarian rural society from the family through the poor and landed peasants, their social and work organisations and their gatherings. The section on material culture gives prominence to the forms of settlement, building construction, household furnishings, and farm buildings, their shape, structure, regional differences and historical development. Animal husbandry and agriculture are dealt with as well as hunting, fishing and bee-keeping. A separate chapter is devoted to alimentation and the art of the peasant kitchen. Chapters then discuss folk customs and the related arts and crafts, as well as certain branches of ornamental folk art. The section on folklore includes folk dance and folk music, poetry and prose. Folk customs related to the calendar year and occasions such as baptism, weddings and burials and the world of Hungarian folk belief are also discussed. The book is illustrated throughout, and has a useful bibliography according to subject.

Condition

The book is in good plus condition, with a gift label to the ffep. The dustwrapper is chipped and creased to the edges.