“Carl Wilhelm von Sydow. A Swedish Pioneer in Folklore”

IN THIS BOOK, Professor Emeritus Nils-Arvid Bringeus provides a
detailed analysis of the founder of folklore research in Sweden, Professor
Carl Wilhelm von Sydow (1878-1952). We are introduced to a fascinating
personality and able to follow his persevering struggle to gain acceptance
for a new academic discipline. Von Sydow took a highly active interest in
international cooperation, not least within the field of folktale research.
He taught at both Lund and Uppsala universities, establishing a taxonomy
within the study of folklore that has been of great importance.
The book concludes with a causerie written by the actor Max von
Sydow about his father, and a bibliography by Jan-Ojvind Swahn—one of
von Sydow’s last students.
Cover: Esaias Thordn, Carl Wilhelm von Sydow. Oil/canvas. Institute of Ethnology, Lund.

FF Communications 298