Body, Boots, and Britches: Folktales, Ballads, and Speech from Country New York: YORK STATE BOOK

A superb blend of good story-telling and sound scholarship this book provides a fascinating record of what "country New Yorkers" have had to say and sing about themselves as they made their way through three centuries.

You'll find stories and songs about pioneers," Injun fighters," canallers, outlaws, "uncanny critters," lumberjacks, farmers lovers, murderers, and tricksters. You'll even be reminded that piracy and whaling are part of New York's many-faceted tradition. One chapter examines the origins of New York's strange place-names. Another is devoted to an engrossing account of New York's proverbs and folk wisdom.