The History of Morris Dancing, 1458-1750

Book excerpt: Morris dancing, one of the more peculiar of the English folk customs, has been greatly misunderstood. In The History of Morris Dancing, 1458-1750 John Forrest analyses a wealth of evidence to show that Morris dancing does not, as is often assumed, have pagan or ancient origins. He examines early documentation to draw Morris traditions into the wide area of communal custom and public celebrations, showing the passage of dance ideas between groups previously considered folklorically distinct. Careful, detailed and encyclopaedic, The History of Morris Dancing, 1458-1750, is an essential reference work for specialists in English drama and social historians of the period, as well as offering fascinating insight for those who enjoy Morris dancing.