Milovidov, F. F.

[FROGS AND TOADS IN UKRAINIAN FAIRY TALES AND CURSES] Zhaba i liagushka v narodnom mirosozertsanii, preimushchestvenno malorusskom [Toads and frogs in folk worldview, primarily among the Ukrainians].

Khar'kov: Tipografiia "Pechatnoe Delo", 1913. Octavo (26 × 17 cm). Original printed side-stapled wrappers on green stock; 43 pp. Light soil and discoloration to wrappers due to stock; a mark in blue ink to front wrapper; spine extremities splitting; else about very good. Item #54905

First edition of this study of toads and frogs in Ukrainian folklore, published by a member of the Kharkiv Historical and Philological Society in 1913. The author discusses toads and frogs as embodiments of the sinful human soul, as a representation of the devil and of witches, as an instrument of punishment in folk tales and stories, and as a means of poisoning. He also mentions the meanings ascribed to frogs in superstitions, omens and charms, as well as their medical use, concluding that the animal holds an ambiguous place in the local cultural lore. Nothing is known of the author, who seems to have been a member of the Kharkiv Historical and Philological Society which operated in 1876–1919. Founded at the Kharkiv Imperial University, the society consisted of students and professors of the University as well as local intelligentsia interested in studying Ukrainian language, and the folklore and history of Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnipro river. The society conducted anthropological, linguistic, and ethnographic research and published the findings of its members in serial semi-regular publications. This work was re-published in the Collection of the Kharkiv Historical and Philological Society in 1914. The society ceased to exist in 1919 with the establishment of Soviet power in Kharkiv.

As of February 2025, KVK, OCLC show only one copy in North America.

Price: €450.00

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