The Marrow of Human Experience: Essays on Folklore by William A. Wilson, Edited by Jill Terry Rudy
291 Pages
Started: 24 April 2009
Finished: 18 June 2009
The books which help you the most are those which make you think the most.
- Thomas Carlyle
I was first introduced to the writings of Bert Wilson when I was first introduced to the world that is folklore my last year at BYU. That one class on folklore changed how I viewed the world around me and my place in it and has had far reaching effects.
When I saw that this book had been published I added it to my Amazon wish list and figured I’d get around to reading/buying it some day. As I was looking for books to read for this year’s book challenge on that wish list, I remembered this book and immediately put in a request for it at the library. Now that I’ve read it, it will definitely be one I will own some day.
It is a collection of papers and presentations by Wilson over the years that represent some of the best of his work. Each paper is introduced by a colleague who felt the effect of his work in their own life. Each piece can stand on its own, but together they make a powerful impact.
If a great book is one that makes you think, this is a great book. I thought about myself, my family, my world, and my place in it. I’d like to add at least on of his pieces to my “packet to hand to people so they’ll stop being stupid” in the hopes of expanding their world and their view as a greater understanding of folklore has expanded mine.
Rating: 10
