The Outlaw Legend: A Cultural Tradition in Britain, America and Australia

by Graham Seal

Overview

Highwaymen, badmen and bushrangers, both mythical and historical, have been part of folklore for centuries. Remembered and recreated through song, stories and film, this cultural tradition has been remarkably resilient across time and place. Graham Seal shows that these famous "social bandits" share many characteristics, particularly as anti-authority figures, and are best understood within class, ethnic and national struggles. From Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace, this book is an important study for folklorists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521553179
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/13/1996
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

1. The outlaw legend; 2. Outlaws of myth; 3. British highwaymen; 4. American badmen; 5. Australian bushrangers; 6. Outlaw to national hero: the case of Ned Kelly; 7. Interpreting the Legend: convenient fictions, lore and law.