"The T. W. Thompson Collection of Gypsy Folk Tales: An Edition with Commentary and Analytical Indexes"
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Users are advised that content in this section may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.See the Access and usage section below for further details.
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: "The T. W. Thompson Collection of Gypsy Folk Tales: An Edition with Commentary and Analytical Indexes"
Classmark: LAVC/SRP/1/006
Date(s): 1982
Size and medium: 999 bound typed leaves. 4 volumes.
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/409902
Collection group(s): Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture
Description
Ph.D. thesis consisting of Thomas William Thompson's folktales collected from English Gypsy Traveller communities between 1908 and 1924. The tales have been classified and arranged according to the Aarne-Thompson 'Index of Tale Types'. Chapters One, Two and Three contain an exposition of Thompson's methods of work, together with a discussion of the problems involved in the preparation of the thesis. The indexes comprise, in addition to an Index of Tale Types, analytical indexes of legend types, motifs, tale titles, manuscript notebooks, informants, and the occasions on which the tales were told. These are followed by a glossary of Anglo-Romani words in the texts of the tales. Volume Two is divided into three parts, each containing the texts themselves.
Volume 1 (chapters 1-3 and indexes); Volume 2 (part 1), animal tales and ordinary folktales, (part 2) ordinary folktales continued, (part 3) jokes and anecdotes, formula tales, unclassified tales and migratory legends.
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Notes on terminology and spellings
Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.
At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.
These can include but are not limited to those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).
It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:
1) As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma). Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’
2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.
Users are advised that content in this section may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.
View the Cultural Collections sensitivity policy
Material in this collection is in copyright. Photocopies or digital images can only be supplied by the Library for research or private study within the terms of copyright legislation. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder's permission to reproduce for any other purpose. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.