In article <[log in to unmask]>, on Fri, 19 May 2000 at 20:07:00, Annmarie Zan <URL: mailto:[log in to unmask]> writes >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 A good starting point would be "A rhyme and a reason" by Deanna Anderson <http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/3041/> which gives background notes on several rhymes and links to other sites. There are a few more at "Nursery rhymes and their origins" <http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/2161/nursery.html> A short essay with some published references is "The history of nursery rhymes & Mother Goose" / by Vikki Harris. <http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/ENGL/courses/engl208c/esharris.htm Though I know it is not good netiquette to comment on spelling or typos, I might perhaps mention in the interests of accuracy that it is "Mary Queen of Scots", not "Queens of Scotts", and "black plaque" seems to call for a rather urgent visit to the dental hygienist ... :-) Regards Leonard Will -- Willpower Information (Partners: Dr Leonard D Will, Sheena E Will) Information Management Consultants Tel: +44 (0)20 8372 0092 27 Calshot Way, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 7BQ, UK. Fax: +44 (0)20 8372 0094 [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] ---------------- <URL:http://www.willpower.demon.co.uk/> ---------------- ========================================================= 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).