The Legend of Spring-Heeled Jack: Victorian Urban Folklore and Popular Cultures
by
Karl Bell
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History
Format
Hardcover
Pages
272
Language
English
Published
Oct 18, 2012
Publisher
Boydell Press
Edition
Illustrated
ISBN-10
1843837870
ISBN-13
9781843837879
Description
In this exploration of Victorian urban folklore, the story of Spring-Heeled Jack serves as a lens through which to examine the social anxieties and cultural dynamics of the nineteenth century. The elusive figure, known for his extraordinary leaping ability and unsettling encounters with the public, embodies the fears and fascinations that gripped a rapidly industrializing society. Karl Bell delves into how this enigmatic character reflects broader societal changes, including the tensions between modernity and traditional beliefs, as well as class struggles that defined the era.
Throughout the narrative, Bell skillfully intertwines historical context with contemporary analysis, prompting readers to reconsider the implications of folklore in understanding cultural identity and urban experiences. By challenging current interpretations of the legend, the work fosters a deeper engagement with the ways urban myths permeate and influence popular culture, encouraging reflection on the narratives that persist in shaping collective memory and identity.
Throughout the narrative, Bell skillfully intertwines historical context with contemporary analysis, prompting readers to reconsider the implications of folklore in understanding cultural identity and urban experiences. By challenging current interpretations of the legend, the work fosters a deeper engagement with the ways urban myths permeate and influence popular culture, encouraging reflection on the narratives that persist in shaping collective memory and identity.
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