Encyclopedia of Urban Legends

This exhaustive and compellingly readable reference work offers alphabetical entries on every aspect of the subject, including descriptions of hundreds of individual legends and their variations, legend themes, and scholarly approaches to the genre.

Other entries discuss the relationship of urban legends to literature, film, comic books, music, and many other areas of popular culture. Coverage includes academic legends, earthquake stories, Internet resources, tabloids in urban legends, and more. All entries are cross referenced and feature brief bibliographies. A general bibliography suggests further readings on the subject. The volume is richly illustrated and is based on the latest scholarship, including materials available on the Internet.

• A–Z entries provide a summary of each legend and its background

• An introduction defines "urban legend" and sketches the history of urban legend studies

• The book is richly illustrated with artwork by Randy Hickman

• Brief bibliographies follow each entry, and a selected bibliography provides suggestions for further reading and research