Richard Lewis (3) (1971–)

The subtitle of this book is: My Year Learning to Be English. The author goes "in search of his roots". What makes the English English? He searches amongst the folk aficionado's, the morris, follows the straw man, is present at a wicca meeting to greet spring, etc. An interesting book, with lots of history of folk customs or about the lack of history thereof (since a lot of these seem to have been re-invented in the 1950's or so...)
He tells everything in a very matter of fact voice, but with a lot of sympathy for all the goings-on (he joins them gladly too).
Very enjoyable if you find the subject interesting - my interest in it is only mild and after some 200 pages it took an effort of will to go on reading - every chapter became "a bit more of the same" for me.… (altro)

Richard Lewis is a journalist in search of the roots of his culture and identity. But as he spends a year travelling round England visiting various festivals (including morris dancing, bonfires, harvest festival, and wassailing), he realises that most of them are relatively recent, and self-conscious, re-inventions of supposed traditions that can rarely be traced back before the Victorian era. He is repeatedly, and humorously, sceptical about the claim that these traditions have 'origins' in pagan rituals. But nevertheless he finds joy and even a degree of belonging in the living traditions in which he takes part. While debunking many re-invented traditions as the fictions of revivalists, his portraits of the people he meets remain affectionate and are never patronising.… (altro)

Fantastic! A wonderful journey through English traditions, from the well-known to the more obscure, and charting the passage of the seasons and the year. Great for those who have minimal familiarity with English traditions, giving a wonderful introduction to them and providing a glimmer of understanding as to why so many people will fight so hard to keep them going against the best combined efforts of legislation and accusations of 'uncoolness'. And just as great for those who've been watching the ceremonies for years - tar barrels, Padstow Oss, straw bears, it's all in here and described with joy, excitement and love.… (altro)