Annmarie,

One book that might be helpful (if you're not already aware of it) is
historian Robert Darnton's "The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes in
French Cultural History" (Basic Books, 1984), especially Chapter 1, which is
entitled "Peasants Tell Tales: The Meaning of Mother Goose."  It talks about
a number of nursery rhymes and stories. Good luck!

Richard Durschlag, Director
The Museum of the Waxhaws
Waxhaw, NC


>From: Annmarie Zan <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Nursery rhymes
>Date: Fri, 19 May 2000 20:07:00 EDT
>
>I am trying to create an exhibit based on the real tales behind common
>nursery rhymes, such as Ring around the Rosie being the black plaque or
>Mary,
>Mary, Quite contrary being Mary Queens of Scotts.  If anyone knows of
>sources
>I could use for this exhibit please post them to the list or e-mail me at
>[log in to unmask] Thanks, Annmarie
>
>=========================================================
>Important Subscriber Information:
>
>The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
>http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
>information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
>message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
>read "help" (without the quotes).
>
>If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
>[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
>Museum-L" (without the quotes).

________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).