I am finishing a graduate thesis on folklore old and new with an emphasis
on hidden symbolism through the years.
   A book that has helped more than all the others in this study is:
Robert Darnton's, "The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes of French
Cultural History." It may not have the specific Nursery Rhymes but it is a
wonderful source on the creation of folksayings and tales. It is still in
publication. It deals with the more "common" aspects of life that lead to
such stories and songs being created.
   Another approach that I have taken is reading Jung and see what he says
about symbols such as "falling down," etc. It's fasinating.
   It is great to see an interest in these things! I am happy to discuss my
findings and am currently looking for employment in the museum field.
  Cheers,
Stephanie

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