Folklore as an Historical Science

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21852

Title

Folklore as an Historical Science

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Laurence Gomme argues that folklore is an essential historical science, offering unique insights into the earliest stages of human psychological, religious, social, and political history. This scholarly work treats traditions and superstitions not as mere fragments to be discarded, but as vital survivals of primitive institutions like totemism. By examining local customs, myths, and beliefs alongside anthropological data, Gomme challenges historians to look beyond classical texts and recognize the deep, continuous history embedded in the folklore of modern nations.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Folklore as an Historical Science,' George Laurence Gomme argues that folklore is not merely a collection of superstitions but a rigorous historical science essential for understanding the origins of human civilization. Gomme contends that historians have long neglected the intimate relationship between pure history and folklore, failing to recognize that modern cultures possess an anthropological history alongside their political one. To correct this oversight, he systematically outlines the materials and methods required for scientific folklore research, emphasizing the necessity of precise definitions and avoiding hasty comparisons. The book explores the psychological conditions of primitive man, illustrating how early beliefs formed the basis of later customs. A significant portion is dedicated to anthropological conditions, where Gomme uses evidence from totemism—particularly among the Semang people of the Malay Peninsula and in Ireland—to demonstrate that primitive savage organizations once existed throughout Britain. He analyzes sociological and ethnological conditions, discussing how Christianity intruded upon native religions and how different race origins explain fundamental differences in folklore. Gomme explicitly rejects the notion of a single Aryan race for Europe, citing archaeological and folkloric evidence of older, conquered races that left their mark on the culture. Throughout the work, Gomme utilizes extensive illustrations of stone monuments, carvings, and artifacts, such as the Pedlar's Seat in Swaffham Church and various stone circles, to support his arguments. He asserts that to understand the meaning of folklore, one must understand the realm of savagery that preceded civilization. By tracing survivals of totemism and other primitive institutions, Gomme provides a foundational resource for understanding the deep roots of human culture, belief, and social organization, proving that folklore offers the only means to discover the earliest stages of human psychological, religious, and social history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore