New Books in Folklore

New Books in Folklore

Author: Marshall Poe Language: English Episodes: 100
Hosted by Marshall Poe, New Books in Folklore is part of a much larger academic conversation happening across the New Books Network, a sprawling audio library built for the curious public. This particular channel focuses on the stories, traditions, and beliefs that cultures weave into their daily lives. Each episode features an in-depth conversation where an author discusses their newly published work on folklore with a knowledgeable interviewer, delving into the research and ideas behind the book. You’ll hear about everything from contemporary legends and digital storytelling to ancient myths and material culture, all explored with scholarly depth and genuine curiosity. It’s a space where academic work becomes accessible, moving beyond the journal article or monograph into a lively, direct exchange. For anyone fascinated by why we tell tales, how traditions evolve, or what our shared rituals reveal about us, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the latest scholarship. The broader network, with its many specialized channels, underscores a commitment to making expert knowledge freely available. Tuning in provides a unique form of continuing education, one thoughtful discussion at a time.
Episodes
Gregory Kenicer, "Scottish Plant Names: An A–Z" (Birlinn, 2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Names are incredibly powerful things and are a crucial part of the way we see and classify the world around us. Plant names are especially fascinating in this respect. Some are simply descriptive or speak of ancient uses…
Francis Young, "Fairies: A History" (John Wiley & Sons, 2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Many people think they know what fairies are, what a fairy looks like, and how a fairy is expected to behave. Dr. Francis Young's Fairies: A History (Polity, 2026) demonstrates that the truth about belief in fairies is f…