Curiosities of Olden Times

Name: Curiosities of Olden Times
Author: S. Baring-Gould

By S. Baring-Gould

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About This Book

This collection of antiquarian essays assembles curious customs, legal oddities, cryptic devices, and folkloric beliefs from past centuries. Individual chapters examine mourning practices and funeral symbolism, historic ciphers and secret writing, eccentric wills and punishments, courtroom ghosts and miraculous saints, learned curiosities such as the philosopher’s stone and sacred lots, and miscellaneous anecdotes drawn from chronicles, inscriptions, and popular tradition. Each piece combines anecdote, translation of documents, and interpretive commentary to illuminate how rituals, language, and superstition shaped everyday life in earlier times.

About the Author

S. Baring-Gould

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was an English author, antiquarian, and folklorist, known for his extensive writings on regional history and folklore. He produced a diverse body of work, including travel literature, novels, and studies of local customs. His notable titles include "A Book of Cornwall" and "A Book of Dartmoor," which reflect his deep appreciation for the landscapes and cultures of these regions. Baring-Gould was also a prolific hymn writer and contributed significantly to the preservation of English folklore and traditions. His works continue to be valued for their rich detail and insight into the social history of England.